Stewart Island/Rakiura is located south of the South Island and is 20 minutes by plane from Invercargill or an hour by ferry from Bluff. The road network is limited to the Oban Township, so access to the rest of the Island is by boat, plane or walking.

Transport to Rakiura/Stewart Island hunting blocks

Hunting blocks can be accessed by sea or air. You need to organise your own transport to and from the block.

For information about ferries, charter boats or water taxis, visit the Stewart Island website. We highly recommend booking the island accommodation and transportation after you have a provisional booking but before you pay the administration fee.

Fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters may land on beaches below the mean high tide mark. Also, permitted helicopters may land at Long Harry, East Ruggedy, Mason Homestead and Big Hellfire Hut. Discuss options with the transport providers.

White-tailed deer may be found in moderate numbers all over Stewart Island/Rakiura. Red deer are found in moderate numbers in the Northwest.

Hunting areas on Rakiura/Stewart Island

There are 35 restricted hunting blocks on Rakiura/Stewart Island. These are bookable online. Book a Rakiura/ Stewart Island restricted hunting block.

Open hunting area

There is one open hunting area on Rakiura/Stewart Island. You need an open area hunting permit. 

Rakiura/Stewart island open hunting area

Hunting on Māori land

If you want to hunt on Māori Land, contact the Rakiura Māori Lands Trust:

• Rakiura Māori Lands Trust website
• email rtm@visitrakiura.co.nz.

If you have any other questions, contact the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre.