Quintessential New Zealand - Stewart Island has it all

Want to step back in time? A motorcycle ride around New Zealand’s Rakiura Stewart Island will do just that . . .

In the deep south of the South Island – just before you hit Antarctica – this wee island dials life right back and features an abundance of bird, sealife and bush. Rakiura  means glowing skies in Māori – you can sometimes see the Southern Lights from the island. With a small population – approx. 400, and a land area of 1,746 square kilometres (85% of it is protected national park), the wilderness is epic, beautiful beaches and laidback, friendly vibe – with plenty of fresh seafood served up at the local pub. Head out on the ferry from Invercargill, stay a night, see a Kiwi in the wild, jump on a fishing charter or simply kick back in nature.

Fancy strolling one of New Zealand’s famous walks? Stewart Island’s Rakiura Track is New Zealand’s most remote Great Walk – forget the crowds! Spanning 32 kilometres, and featuring two well-placed huts along the route, the Rakiura Track accommodates walkers of all ages and experience levels.

Stewart Islands Rakiura Museum, in Oban, is also a must see and cultural melting pot. Hosting a raft of early settlement artifacts, a shipwreck, wildlife storytelling and Māori lineage, it’s a stunning building that is home to a wealth of true Kiwi heritage.

Seafood lovers rejoice on Stewart Island! Home to the Blue Cod fishery, and renowned for its abalone (paua) and oysters, it’s the perfect opportunity to eat seafood at every meal.