• Lone Hiker
    Lone Hiker
  • Beach Hikers
    Beach Hikers
  • Lonnekers Beach
    Lonnekers Beach
  • Halfmoon Bay
    Halfmoon Bay
  • Sunrise
    Sunrise

COVID-19 rules have ended in New Zealand. Recommendations remain in place.  


Our island offers a special experience - a glimpse into a simpler, slower lifestyle, in rhythm with the sea and the tides, attuned to the natural world of bush and beach.

In 2002 the very qualities that make this a great place to treasure were recognised in the formation of the Rakiura National Park, comprising 85% of the island's 1570 square kilometres.

In 2019 Stewart Island/Rakiura was awarded Dark Sky Sanctuary accreditation by the International Dark Sky Association.  Classified by the IDA as having outstanding sky quality - and being accredited with Sanctuary status - helps to ensure that light pollution levels are controlled and our natural nightscape is protected for the future

Whether you have come to enjoy the land, sea and night-scapes, view the wildlife, walk, boat, fish, dive, kayak, hunt or just relax - a Stewart Island holiday will be an experience that will draw you back again and again.

getting here

places to stay

calendar of events

Dark Sky Sanctuary

street map & more

weather

At latitude 47 degrees south (the roaring forties) our weather is often unpredictable but sunshine hours are equal to the national average and our annual rainfall is less than that of Auckland.


eating & drinking

eat-in, take-away, cafes, restaurants, food to go!


digital brochure & downloadable maps

DIGITAL BROCHURE contains visitor information & business directory - printed version distributed throughout New Zealand.  PDF STREET MAP - paper version freely available at many locations on the island.


our heritage

From the 13th Century to the present day the island's rich resources provided a bountiful harvest for Maori. Early 19th Century explorers, sealers, missionaries, and settlers came from all corners of the world ...


history of our name

Te Punga o Te Waka a Maui, the original Maori name, positions Stewart Island firmly at the heart of Maori mythology.


other information

Emergency services, banking, churches, library, keeping yourself safe on our roads, mobile phone coverage and other information you may find useful.

get in touch

The Stewart Island Promotion Association is committed to ensuring that visitors enjoy their experience.  If the service provided by any of the operators advertised on this website gives cause for concern please contact us.


TripAdvisor

 

 

Instagram logo follow us at stewartislandrakiura                  Facebook logo  


real estate

Enjoyed your visit to the island so much you want to stay?

Special Thanks

Thanks to the many photographers over the years that have provided images for this website and our printed brochure.  Alina Atkins, Allan J Kynaston, Craig Stonyer, D Asher, Dave Hill, Debbie Racz, Denise Edgar, Diane Smith, Dobbins Family, Furhana Ahmad, Gary Lawrence, Glenda Payne, Jay Nicholson, Jo Learmonth, Jo Riksem, Jules Retberg, Juliet Nicholas, Leah Rudin-Jones, Lee Wadds, the family of the late Margaret Fairhall, Matt Jones, Rachael McKay, Rebecca Wilson-Jennings, Sandra Whipp, Sarah Smith, Scott & Mary Flanders, Serena Dawson, and Steve Nolan.