Stewart Island

The attraction of walking on Stewart Island

Stewart Island is the forgotten third island of New Zealand. Lying 30 km south of the South Island, it delivers a truly remote experience. Yet at 200,000 hectares it is big enough to contain mountains close to 1000 metres in height, impressive granite bluffs and huge sand dunes, as well as an array of terrain and ecosystems. It is also well known for its abundant natural wildlife, providing, for example, the best opportunity to view New Zealand’s iconic kiwi in the wild.

Some 85% of Stewart Island falls within the Rakiura National Park. Rakiura is the Maori name for the island and translates as ‘The Land of the Glowing Skies’. It’s thought that this is a reference to the night displays of Aurora Australis, or the Southern Lights, that can be seen from the island, as well as the extremely colourful sunsets. 

The Southern Ocean surrounds the island and Antarctica is the next place further south. Yet the island climate is more temperate than might be thought. Temperatures reach mid-20’s during summer and winters are milder and calmer than those experienced in the nearby Fiordland area of the South Island.

Interested in walking on Stewart Island?

The national park is home to the Rakiura Track, one of the nine multi-day expeditions that the New Zealand Government’s Department of Conservation (DOC) has designated as ‘New Zealand Great Walks’. Not surprisingly, given its location, the Rakiura Track is one of the lesser known and less undertaken of the Great Walks. As its attractions are no less outstanding, this provides an opportunity for those wishing to experience a less trodden path. Stewart Island has less than 28 km of road and more than 280 km of walking tracks. That’s an unusual ratio that describes the island in a nutshell and beckons to walkers. Click the button below for a description of the Rakiura Track.

We can help you to plan and book your Stewart Island walking holiday. Click below to learn more.