Discover the wild and rugged landscape of Stewart Island / Rakiura. It’s the third largest island in New Zealand, and the island has so much to offer those who venture here. Whether your Stewart Island trip is all about fast-paced adventures or you’re here to sit back and enjoy the scenery, it’s the perfect destination to escape to. Some of the most notable things to do in Stewart Island revolve around the incredible wildlife and the stunning bays and forest. If you’re keen to explore some of New Zealand’s most remote and undisturbed land, Stewart Island is the place to visit.
1. Stay the night
All great adventures need a fantastic base. Stewart Island Lodge is an ideal bed and breakfast, perfectly positioned on the hill just minute’s walk from the village centre. The ocean views are breathtaking and the gardens are impressive. Spend days relaxing and enjoying the view, or explore the walking tracks, beaches and islands at your fingertips. In classic lodge fashion, the guest lounge is communal; a space to gather and meet fellow guests or relax in your own cosy corner. A sweeping terrace borders the lodge and provides the perfect vantage point. This welcoming accommodation sets the scene for a memorable getaway in spectacular Stewart Island.
2. Venture to Ulva Island
Ulva Island is a nearby wildlife sanctuary, home to birdlife and rare plant species. A visit to this wonderland is a fantastic thing to do on Stewart Island for lovers of flora and fauna. Located in Paterson Inlet, a cruise is on the cards to get here. Cruise from the ferry terminal in Oban on the Ulva Island Explorer tour. Explore Paterson Inlet and its secluded coves and beaches. Set your feet on Ulva Island for a guided walk through the untouched, protected nature. Keep your eyes peeled for weka, robins, yellowheads/mohua and saddlebacks. Ulva Island is a predator-free sanctuary for native birdlife, so the Southern brown kiwi are known to roam around during the day. It’s here that you swap music for birdsong as you immerse yourselves in the island’s tree canopy. It’s a must-do experience in Stewart Island.
3. Catch each sunrise and sunset
It’s just a short ferry ride over the Fouveux straight, yet Stewart Island can feel like an entirely new world. Rakiura translates to ‘the land of glowing skies’, and as the sun sets on the horizon it’s clear why the island was so named. A trip to this southern haven is likely to be full of incredible sunrises and sunsets. A great thing to do on Stewart Island is to find the perfect spot to park up and watch the colours in the sky.
4. Explore the village
A tour of the village and surrounding scenic bays is just the thing to do on Stewart Island when you first arrive. Getting a sense for the area and its history is a must-do. A tour of the Stewart Island Village and Bays starts from the Oban Visitor Centre. Local guides take you on a journey around the island, allowing time for short walks and scenic stops. It’s an hour of getting to know this incredible New Zealand destination.
5. See a kiwi in the wild
If there’s any place to see a kiwi in the wild, Stewart Island is it! The Southern brown kiwi can be seen in Little Glory Cove, roaming and searching for food. A Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter is an experience that starts in the main township of Oban. Cruise on a catamaran to Little Glory Wharf before embarking on a walk with a nature guide to spot these fantastic creatures. This is one of the top things to do in Stewart Island, and encompasses the wild and wonderful nature of the place.
This article was created in paid partnership with RealNZ.
