Stewart Island - Rakiura 

For the traveller, New Zealand saves its most lyrical surprise for last. Stewart Island is the third island of New Zealand. In the Maori language, it’s known as Rakiura which means ‘the land of glowing skies’. You’ll get an inkling why when you see the aurora australis which often appears in these southern skies.

Stewart Island is a small place but, nonetheless, special for it. Over 85% of the island is National Park. Most people who come here come for the hiking. Walk the three-day Rakiura Track and you will get the full experience of Stewart Island’s wild beauty. Offshore, on Ulva Island, you’ll find a predator free bird sanctuary where you’ll find rare native birds and the only place in New Zealand where you can readily see a kiwi in its natural habitat.

Stewart Islanders are a proud and very independent bunch. For them, New Zealanders are people who live on the other side of Fouveaux Strait. But they’re friendly. There’s only one settlement of any size on the island – Halfmoon Bay, sometimes called Oban. It offers a variety of accommodation and if you’re walking the tracks, the Department of Conservation provides huts for overnight hikes.