A warm welcome awaits you as you step into the southernmost DOC visitor centre. Our friendly, helpful and experienced staff can help plan your time to ensure you make the most of your visit to Stewart Island/ Rakiura.
Contact details
| Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | +64 3 219 0009 |
| stewartisland@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 15 Main Road Oban 9818 |
Getting there
The visitor centre is on Main Road, Oban – 2 minutes walk from the flight centre and ferry terminal.
Opening hours
- Saturday to Thursday: 8:30 am – 4 pm
- Friday: Closed but available by phone and for locker access, hut tickets and PLB hire/return
Information and services
- Information on short walks, multi day tramps and Ulva Island / Te Wharawhara – a predator free open bird sanctuary.
- Up to date track conditions and weather reports.
- Hut tickets and Great Walk bookings.
- Topographical maps and brochures about tramping opportunities on Stewart Island and the lower South Island.
- Hunting information and permits.
- Fishing information and regulations for coastal Stewart Island, Paterson Inlet mataitai reserve and Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve.
- A kids section with activity and colouring sheets to take away and information on kid friendly walks, beaches and playgrounds
- Informative and entertaining DVDs and a comfy couch to watch them – great for rainy days.
- Quality supplies and souvenirs including clothing, books, tramping equipment and much more.
- Personal locator beacons, maps and lockers (for storing gear while on the tracks) can be hired.
Rakiura history explored
- Informative displays explain Stewart Island/Rakiura flora, fauna, geography and island history.
- An interactive recreation of an old ranger’s hut complete with bunks, cooking equipment and old boots - fun for the kids.
The tale of Kewa
Our taunga carving displayed in front of the visitor centre portrays the mythical origin of Stewart Island/Rakiura. Māori legend tells of the great whale Kewa chewing his way through the southern landmass to separate Stewart Island/ Rakiura from the mainland and creating Te Ara a Kewa (the pathway of Kewa), today known as Foveaux Strait.