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. Need help deciding what to do? Take a look at our suggested itineraries!
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.
eat-in, take-away, cafes, restaurants, food to go!
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.
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 ...
Te Punga o Te Waka a Maui, the original Maori name, positions Stewart Island firmly at the heart of Maori mythology.
Emergency services, banking, churches, library, keeping yourself safe on our roads, mobile phone coverage and other information you may find useful.
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.
Enjoyed your visit to the island so much you want to stay?
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.
