Today the island has around 400 hardy and self reliant residents who are mainly involved in fishing and tourism, the island supporting a small salmon industry and mussel farm. In former times the island had a timber industry, mining operations, whaling station and larger fishing and mutton birding operations. Most people live in the charming village of Oban located in the sheltered Halfmoon Bay. The island is linked to what the locals call ‘New Zealand’ by scheduled air services run by Stewart Island Flights and by regular catamaran ferry sailings operated by Stewart Island Experience.

In 2002 85% of Stewart Island’s land area became Rakiura National Park, New Zealand’s 14th and newest National Park.

Rakiura is one of three Maori names for the island translating as “Glowing Skies” which refers to the spectacular Aurora Australis phenomenon that can be viewed during the long summer nights, where fierce solar winds interact with the earths magnetic field producing magnificent and eerie light displays.

With 245 km of track through the National Park and 9 hikers huts but only 25 km of roads the island is a trampers paradise. Hikers are in for some spectacular forest views, with abundant birdlife free from stoats and ferrets which have devastated native bird populations on the mainland. Among the birds hikers are bound to see are the Kakariki Parakeet, Kereri native wood pigeon, Tui, Bellbird, Tom Tit, Weka, Kakaruai Robin, Mata Fernbird and plenty of Kaka. The island’s star is the Stewart Island Kiwi which unlike its mainland cousins maintains family groups and sometimes feeds during daylight hours. Many endangered species have been relocated to Codfish Island off the west coast where they’re bred free from predators.
 

As part of your southern experience there are many sightseeing tours and scenic flights to be enjoyed. The island has limited accommodation options but the warmth and friendliness of the locals more than compensates for the absence of a Hilton! Visitors to New Zealand who have the time to include Stewart Island in their itinerary will be rewarded by a totally memorable wilderness retreat that will be remembered as a highlight of your holiday.

For Stewart Island accommodation click here.