Welcome to the land of glowing skies, Stewart Island
The third largest island of New Zealand, Stewart Island is settled around 30 kilometres south of the South Island. The place is also known as Rakiura in the local Maori language. Rakiura means the land of glowing skies. Aurora Australis appears in the southern skies quite often here and hence, the apt name. Interestingly, more than 85% of the area of this island is occupied by the National Park.
Hiking and Trekking
Hiking is the most loved activity of tourists visiting this island. With 280km stretch for walking tracks and just 28km for roads, you can certainly imagine why tourists prefer the island for hiking, day walks, shorts walks or multi-day hikes. The very famous trek is Rakiura Track that lasts for 3 days and gives visitors an enchanting experience of the wild beauty of the Stewart Island. As you walk along, you would be greeted by bird songs and spectacular coastal scenery on this 36km track that is quite serene and calming to the soul. Visit the beautiful beaches and the native forest of the island that lay in the wilderness. Take a halt in the evening at the accommodation huts and campsites and fall asleep to the sounds of the morepork. Those who have just a day to spare can opt for day hiking treks leaving from Halfmoon Bay. Opt for shorter tours that are the two-hour Fern Gully Track and the four-hour Horseshoe Point Track.
Bird Watching
Home for brown kiwi or popularly called Tokoeka, Stewart Island houses more of these birds than the humans. They can be spotted all around the day and even at night. Those who love watching birds will come face to face with a great number of birds on the island. Among penguins, the blue penguins and even the rare yellow-eyed penguins can be spotted amid the rocks. On the Ulva Island, you will love to visit the predator free bird sanctuary that houses dozens of different species. During the summer season, you would love to hear the sound of kaka, cheeky weka and other birds that can be spotted around Oban township. Other birds that can be spotted on the island are tui, rifleman, fantail and kaka and also the endangered species of south island saddleback.
Island Ferry Service
Visit Stewart Island any time of the year and you can board a ferry that takes you on a tour to have a look of the wildlife that has made this island their home. It takes around one hour and you get to see different types of sea birds. It is a treat to see the albatross that soars behind the ferry. You can even spot penguins or dolphins here. Explore the secluded bays and stunning inlets of the island. On arrival, you can opt for a tout on Paterson Inlet Cruise. The island is perfect for day excursion and can be roamed around in a rental car or even a motor scooter or mountain bike.
Discover Stewart Island that is one of the unspoilt and explored islands of New Zealand. A trip here will fill your memories and photo-books with moments of happiness, without any doubt.
