Located in the Southland region
Stewart Island is New Zealand’s third largest island and home to Rakiura National Park.
To minimise disturbance to kiwi:
You can land at any of Ulva Island’s bays and enjoy the plant and birdlife. Ulva Island is special because it's predator-free – be aware of stowaways.
There is a day shelter at the eastern beach on Sydney Cove, with information on the marine reserve and the mātaitai reserve.
Camping in not permitted at any time.
You're welcome to visit the Glory Cove Scenic Reserve and Ocean Beach during the day, however access between 6 pm and 6 am is restricted to permit holders only.
Visit the historic Norwegian whalers’ base in Prices Inlet. On-site interpretation of the whaling era is provided.
Camping is not permitted – this area is privately owned.
Follow river safety rules and the regulations.
Water taxis run once a day on the high tide up the river – be aware of them and keep to the sides of the river where possible. They will radio entrance and exit times to the radio operator on Marine radio channel 65 – if you have a radio you are advised to do the same.
It is strongly recommended that you take a Marine VHF radio with you – mobile phone coverage is limited to the main village area. Channels used are:
65 – Stewart Island Maritime Radio
Operator: Maureen Jones
Phone: +64 3 219 1242 or +64 27 219 059 061
Bluff Maritime Radio
Operator: Meri Leask
Phone: +64 3 212 7281
Weather forecasts are broadcast daily:
On Stewart Island/Rakiura, visit:
From Stewart Island/Rakiura, visit:
The island’s only settlement, in Halfmoon Bay, has a DOC Visitor Centre, general store and a range of accommodation options.
There is one ATM on the island. This is only accessible during shop hours and does not accept non-New Zealand credit cards. Most operators accept Eftpos, Visa and Mastercard.
While there have been no reports of giardia on Stewart Island, we recommend treating all water collected from streams, or filling your water containers before leaving huts.
Help keep our water free from diseases and our land unspoilt by always using toilets where provided. If there is no toilet, find a secluded place well away from water and walking tracks, dig a hole and bury all human waste.
Read Te Whaka a Te Wera Mātaitai Reserve bylaws and fisheries regulations (collect from the DOC Stewart Island Visitor Centre), and the Ulva Island – Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve brochure (PDF, 2,004K). Ensure you fish in areas permitted. Take only the amount of seafood you need for the day.
Be prepared for everything – wind, rain, sun and sleet.
Stewart Island weather is unpredictable and strong winds can develop at short notice. Be prepared to change your plans and seek shelter. Average temperatures are 15˚C in summer and 9˚C in winter. Average annual rainfall is 1,600 mm.
Seek up to date weather advice from DOC or see the Foveaux coastal forecast or Southland rural forecast on the Metservice website.
Be aware of deer hunters, who are active all year-round on Stewart Island.
A permit is needed to hunt on Stewart Island – you can obtain one from the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre or online. See Stewart Island/Rakiura hunting.
Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre | |
Phone: | +64 3 219 0009 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | stewartisland@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
15 Main Road Oban |
Postal Address: |
PO Box 3 Rakiura/Stewart Island 9846 |
Full office details |