Of New Zealand's three main islands, Stewart Island is the southernmost and smallest (about 75km long and up to 45km wide). The island contains New Zealand's newest national park - Rakiura National Park.
In the Maori language, Stewart Island is known as Rakiura, which translates as ‘the land of the glowing skies’. This name probably refers to the aurora australis, an atmospheric phenomenon which is often seen in the southern sky.
About 85% of the island is a national park and there’s only one settlement of any size – Halfmoon Bay (sometimes called Oban), which offers a variety of accommodation. The majority of visitors come to hike the well-maintained tracks. Department of Conservation huts provide accommodation for overnight hikes.
Only on Stewart Island can you see tracts of virgin Southland native forest. Protecting these habitats, particularly on predator-free Ulva Island Open Bird Sanctuary (accessible by water taxi), is essential for the long-term survival of kiwi, yellow-eyed penguins, kakapo, dotterels, bats, weka, South Island saddlebacks and wetas (a large cricket-type flightless insect).
For anyone seeking peace and tranquillity, Stewart Island is the ultimate spot. There are superb bush walks and great launch cruises around some of New Zealand's most beautiful coastline. The island's amazingly clear and clean waters make it a snorkelling and diving paradise.
Due to an anomaly in the magnetic latitude contours, this location is well placed for observing Aurora australis.