Kiwis and Other Birds
Stewart Island, the third-biggest island of New Zealand, is situated off the southernmost part of the South Island of New Zealand. It offers the best chance most people will have to see New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, in its natural environment. Stewart Island is a special place, originally named Rakiura by Maori (meaning ‘Land of the Glowing Skies’). The reasons for the name are still obvious today, with lingering sunsets in summer (it is still light in the South Island long after it is pitch black in Auckland). Visitors can also travel to Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary, where there are more than 30 species of bird, including the Stewart Island shag and the rare yellow-eyed penguin.
For a full list, visit the Stewart Island website (link below). The seas in the area are home to the bottlenose dolphin, New Zealand fur seal and the New Zealand (Hooker’s) sea lion.
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