Stewart Island National Park

The name Rakiura means "the land of the glowing sky", a name that relates both to the lovely starry nights of Aurora Australis (the southern lights) and the stunning horizons of the sunset on the west skyline. There are other things that make the nights in this park so unique. Stewart Island is an ideal place to see kiwis in the great outdoors.

National Park Stewart Island Information, New Zealand National Parks

Lots of day hikes for the fearless traveler and tents along footpaths, you can explore the most dramatically and beautifully scenic parts of our stunning land, from the primeval rain forests to the magnificent hills and falls that are several hundred meters high. There are also brief strolls and walkable paths. Choose Stewart Island National Parks and Regional Parks from the dropdown menu below.

You can also choose another area. The Southland - Stewart Island National Park maps show the tourist industry in your area, area, town or community. For more information, click a Southland - Stewart Island chart symbol.

Stewart Island, Rakiura National Park

About 85% of the 1570 sq. km of Stewart Island form the Rakiura National Park, a pristine wildlife landscape. The park, which opened in 2002, is the newest of New Zealand's national parks. North of Rakiura National Park overlooks the southern island, the stormy Foveaux Strait. The park is encircled by the Southern Ocean to the East, North, World War II and the Southern Ocean - just out of the frozen Antarctic rain.

As you enter the park you will come across an amazing array of unspoilt eco-systems and environments, from thick coastline rainforest and fresh water wetland to huge sandy dune and granitic mountains. Besides the breathtaking landscape, Rakiura National Park also offers an extraordinary chance to see the local game. Kiwi, Weka, Kaka, Tui, Bellbirds, Kereru and the seldom Saddleback can be seen in the park, and at nights one can also listen to the cries of Ruru (native owls).

One of New Zealand's Great Walks, the Rakiura Track, is the best way to discover this area. The 36 km long walk usually lasts three full day and offers a great opportunity to discover the landscape and local area.