Stewart Island/Rakiura

Southland region

Sunset, Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island.

Sunset at Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island

Southland region.

Stewart Island/Rakiura is home to New Zealand's most southerly and newest national park, Rakiura National Park.

Rakiura, translated as The Land of Glowing Skies, probably refers as much to the night-time displays of Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights, as to the sunsets. The island has had at least two other Māori names. Te Puka a te Waka a Māui (The Anchor of Māui's Canoe) refers to the tradition of Māui's discovery of New Zealand and his use of the South Island as a canoe or platform by which he fished up the North Island. Stewart Island/Rakiura anchored his canoe. The island was also known in early times as Motunui (Large Island).

The main settlement is situated in Halfmoon Bay and has a general store, postal agency, DOC Visitor Centre and various accommodation options. From Halfmoon Bay there are a number of tracks suitable for day walks.

Location

Stewart Island/Rakiura is located south of the South Island and is twenty minutes by plane from Invercargill or an hour by ferry from Bluff.

Highlights:

Find out more

Publications

Didymo control on Stewart Island/Rakiura factsheet

Weather

NZ weather

Maps

New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres

Learn more

Stewart Island visitor information website

Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.

Safety

Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:
1. Plan your trip
2. Tell someone
3. Be aware of the weather
4. Know your limits
5. Take sufficient supplies

Contacts

Southland Conservancy Office
Phone: +64 3 211 2400
Email: invercargill@doc.govt.nz
Full office details
Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai