Stewart Island Nature Tours, Walks, Car & Scooter Hire
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Top Things to Do on Stewart Island – Walks, Tours & Activities
Home / Top Things to Do on Stewart Island – Walks, Tours & Activities
Top Things to Do on Stewart Island – Walks, Tours & Activities
Stewart Island, known as Rakiura in Māori, is one of New Zealand’s most unspoiled destinations. Located just south of the South Island, this remote island paradise is famous for its native wildlife, dramatic coastlines and peaceful walking trails.
Visitors come to Stewart Island to explore the landscapes of Rakiura National Park, spot native birdlife including wild kiwi, and experience some of New Zealand’s most beautiful coastal walks. From wildlife encounters and scenic boat trips to quiet nature trails, Stewart Island offers a truly unique travel experience.
On this page you’ll discover the best things to do on Stewart Island, from iconic walking tracks and wildlife encounters to local tours and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Your Ultimate Guide to Stewart Island Walks, Wildlife & Adventures
Discover Stewart Island – Rakiura’s Wild Beauty
About Stewart Island (Rakiura)
Stewart Island lies around 30 kilometres south of New Zealand’s South Island and is the country’s third-largest island. More than 85 percent of the island is protected within Rakiura National Park, preserving vast forests, rugged coastlines and rich marine ecosystems.
With fewer than 400 permanent residents, Stewart Island offers a rare opportunity to experience untouched wilderness and peaceful natural landscapes. Visitors travel here for wildlife encounters, scenic walking tracks, birdwatching and the chance to explore one of New Zealand’s most remote destinations.
Despite its wild character, the island remains easily accessible from Bluff by ferry or scenic flight, making it a rewarding destination for travellers seeking nature, solitude and authentic Kiwi hospitality.
Many visitors combine guided wildlife tours, boat cruises and coastal walks to experience the best of Stewart Island during their stay.
Explore Stewart Island: New Zealand’s Untamed Wilderness
Stewart Island, known as Rakiura, lies just south of New Zealand’s South Island and is one of the country’s most remarkable wilderness destinations. Famous for its untouched forests, dramatic coastlines and incredible birdlife, the island offers a rare chance to experience nature at its wildest.
Visitors come to Stewart Island to explore the landscapes of Rakiura National Park, walk scenic coastal tracks, and encounter native wildlife including kiwi, penguins and seabirds. From peaceful nature walks to guided wildlife tours and scenic boat cruises, the island offers unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay, this guide highlights the best things to do on Stewart Island, including popular walks, wildlife experiences and local tours that showcase the island’s natural beauty and unique character.
Browse the tours and activities below to discover the best ways to explore Stewart Island.
Wildlife & Birdlife on Stewart Island
Stewart Island is one of the best places in New Zealand to encounter native wildlife in its natural habitat. The island’s forests, coastline and offshore islands provide a sanctuary for rare birds and marine life, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers.
Visitors may encounter species such as the Southern Brown Kiwi (Rakiura Tokoeka), little blue penguins, kaka, weka and a wide variety of seabirds. Nearby Ulva Island, a predator-free bird sanctuary, is particularly famous for close encounters with native birds that are rarely seen elsewhere in New Zealand.
Guided wildlife tours and nature walks offer one of the best ways to discover these species while learning about the conservation efforts that protect Stewart Island’s unique ecosystems.
Browse Stewart Island Tours & Experiences
Browse the tours and activities below to discover some of the best ways to explore Stewart Island’s wildlife, coastline and spectacular natural landscapes.
Free Things to Do on Stewart Island / Rakiura
Plan a free Rakiura trip: Ackers Point Lighthouse, Observation Rock, Maori Beach boardwalks, Halfmoon Bay lookouts, easy foreshore strolls and stargazing.
Stewart Island Electric Bike Hire – Explore Rakiura by E-Bike
Explore Stewart Island with ease! Rent electric bikes for a thrilling adventure. Discover scenic beauty hassle-free. Book now!
Beaks & Feathers Stewart Island’s Guided Walks Exploring Nature
Beaks and Feathers guided walks can be customised to your abilities, interests and time. specialising in small groups for a better experience
Rakiura Jade – Greenstone Carving Workshop Stewart Island
Create your own Pounamu pendant with Rakiura Jade. Daily carving classes on Stewart Island. Learn from sculptor David Goodin in a stunning studio location.
Stewart Island Experience – Passenger Ferry from Bluff to Oban
Book your Stewart Island ferry with RealNZ. Enjoy a scenic one-hour journey across Foveaux Strait from Bluff to Oban. Daily departures available.
Rakiura Adventure – Stewart Island Ulva Island Ferry & Water Taxi
Discover Ulva Island Ferry & Stewart Island water taxis with Rakiura Adventures. Enjoy daily trips, wildlife encounters, and scenic hikes. Book your trip now!
Popular Tours & Experiences on Stewart Island
While Stewart Island is famous for its wilderness and walking tracks, guided experiences are one of the best ways to discover the island’s hidden wildlife, remote coastline and unique natural landscapes.
Some of the most popular Stewart Island activities include wildlife and kiwi spotting tours, scenic cruises through Paterson Inlet, and birdwatching trips to Ulva Island, a renowned predator-free sanctuary.
Exploring with knowledgeable local guides provides deeper insight into the island’s ecosystems, Māori heritage and conservation efforts while helping visitors discover some of Stewart Island’s most remarkable locations.
Experience Stewart Island – Rakiura “Land of the Glowing Skies”
Best Time to Visit Stewart Island
Stewart Island can be visited year-round, with each season offering different experiences for wildlife, walking and outdoor exploration. The island’s remote location and surrounding ocean create a cool maritime climate, so conditions can change quickly, but every season has its own unique charm.
Summer (December – February)
Summer is the most popular time to visit Stewart Island. Warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours make it ideal for walking tracks, wildlife tours and exploring the island’s rugged coastline. Boat trips and visits to Ulva Island are especially popular during this season.
Autumn (March – May)
Autumn brings quieter trails and beautiful forest colours as the native bush changes with the season. The cooler weather is still excellent for walking and birdwatching, and the island becomes more peaceful after the summer crowds depart.
Winter (June – August)
Winter on Stewart Island is calm and atmospheric, with dramatic coastal scenery and fewer visitors. It can be a wonderful time for wildlife viewing and experiencing the island’s remote wilderness, though weather conditions can be cooler and more changeable.
Spring (September – November)
Spring is a fantastic time for birdlife and nature. Native birds become more active and the forests come alive with new growth. The season offers excellent opportunities for wildlife encounters and scenic walks before the summer rush begins.
Discover Stewart Island’s Pristine Wildlife and Natural Wonders
Stewart Island is one of New Zealand’s best destinations for native wildlife and untouched landscapes. Much of the island is protected within Rakiura National Park, creating a sanctuary for birdlife, marine species and rare ecosystems.
A highlight of any visit is Ulva Island, a predator-free bird sanctuary located just across Paterson Inlet. Here native birds such as saddleback, kaka and weka roam freely through ancient rimu and totara forest, offering an extraordinary glimpse of New Zealand’s natural heritage.
Visitor FAQs About Stewart Island, New Zealand
For travellers looking for budget-friendly activities, see our guide to free things to do on Stewart Island.
You can reach Stewart Island by ferry from Bluff, which takes about an hour, or by a 20-minute flight from Invercargill. Both options offer scenic journeys. “Ferry Bookings”
Yes, Stewart Island is accessible for a day trip, but an extended stay allows you to fully experience its unique wildlife, scenic walks, and relaxed island lifestyle. Things to Do on Stewart Island
Stewart Island offers a range of nature-based experiences including scenic bush walks, wildlife tours, boat cruises around Paterson Inlet and birdwatching trips to nearby Ulva Island.
A visit to Ulva Island, one of New Zealand’s most important predator-free bird sanctuaries, is considered a highlight for many travellers.
Yes, Stewart Island is one of the few places in New Zealand where you can see kiwi birds in their natural habitat, especially on guided night tours.
Stewart Island is home to diverse wildlife, including kiwi birds, penguins, and various seabirds. In the waters around the island, you may also spot dolphins, seals, and occasionally whales. Exploring Ulva Island
Ulva Island is a predator-free bird sanctuary near Stewart Island. It’s open to the public, and visitors can explore its native forest, spot rare bird species, and enjoy untouched nature. Practical Information for Visitors
Yes, there are various accommodation options on Stewart Island, ranging from hostels and motels to holiday homes and bed & breakfasts, primarily around Oban.
Stewart Island has over 245 km of walking tracks, including the famous Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Most tracks are accessible from Halfmoon Bay.
Stewart Island can be visited year-round. Summer (December to February) offers the best weather, while autumn and spring provide fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Accordion Content
Yes, car and bike rentals are available in Oban, making it easy to explore Stewart Island at your own pace.