Planning a long, overdue holiday? Stewart Island (or Rakiura in Māori) is the answer. With untouched natural landscape, diverse birdlife, and clear skies, it's the perfect place to get away from the busy and fast-paced life of the city. With so many fun things to do in Stewart Island, there won't be a dull moment.
Since the Stewart Island ferry from Bluff takes just an hour, Rakiura is an excellent stop if you're staying on the South Island. Whether you're spending a day or two, you can pack in the sights and experiences. If you're feeling active, you can go on a hike or kayak through the waterways. For something more relaxing, you can take it easy and watch the stunning Southern Lights. There's always something for everyone on the island!
You don't have to worry about filling up your itinerary. Check out our list of favourite things to do on Stewart Island to make the most out of your visit:
- Go for a swim at Bathing Beach
- Hike the Rakiura National Park
- Discover Stewart Island’s gorgeous villages and bays
- Enjoy a moveable feast
- Stargaze at Stewart Island
- Walk on the wild side and discover wildlife on a visit to the unspoilt Ulva Island
- Visit the Rakiura Museum
- Go on a ferry ride from Bluff to Stewart Island
- Meet Southern Brown Kiwi on a cruise and guided bushwalk
- Spend the night (or five) at the Stewart Island Lodge
Free Activities
1. Go for a swim at Bathing Beach
Feel refreshed on a trip to the beautiful Bathing Beach. Image credit: @kittycatuk on Instagram
You don't have to break the bank to have a great time. There are plenty of budget-friendly things to do in NZ, and taking a dip at Bathing Beach is one of them! The crystal clear waters and the untouched, golden sand beach make for a laid-back bayside experience. So, bring your swimmers and take the entire fam for a fun day at the beach!
If you happen to visit during low tide, go for a stroll to the Mill Creek estuary. You can still see the traces of old timber and learn the history of the old business.
During the high tide, there are still gorgeous sights to see. In the second section of the beach, an inlet usually appears and creates a sandbar effect. You can enjoy the long stretch by lounging near the coast or going for a leisurely swim.
2. Hike the Rakiura National Park
Did you know that the Rakiura National Park makes up approximately 85% of the entire Stewart Island? The sprawling grounds boast unspoilt reserves, vibrant forests, and fantastic wildlife.
Experienced hikers looking to challenge themselves can follow the Rakiura Track, declared as one of the Great Walks in New Zealand, thanks to its unbeatable coastline sights and views of historical sites. The average time to finish the entire track is three days, so make sure you're fully prepared before you begin.
You can try the Fern Gully track for something more casual, which takes around two hours to finish. Along the way, you'll spot streams, forests, and even birds.
The rainy weather in Stewart Island means that carrying an umbrella is a must. Bring a raincoat and boots for easy hiking.
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3. Discover Stewart Island’s gorgeous villages and bays
Stewart Island has so much to offer beyond first glance. There's the fishing town of Oban, home to the only settlement on the entire island. There are also the beautiful bays that have been left untouched and pristine.
But figuring out how to comfortably explore the unspoilt island can be a pain, which is why the Villages & Bays tour is an excellent choice for most visitors. Onboard a cosy bus, expert guides will take you around Rakiura's highlights and fill you in on spots and facts that only locals know.
The tour lasts for an hour and 30 minutes which makes it ideal for people short on time. If you're only visiting for a day and want to make the most out of it, this is one of the best things to do on Stewart Island!
4. Enjoy a moveable feast
No visit to Stewart Island is complete without enjoying its wide array of fresh, delicious seafood. Rakiura is home to some of the country’s best blue cod, rock lobsters, and salmon. You can also level up the experience and opt for a moveable feast.
The Perfect Dinner is a full-course meal that serves locally sourced dishes for the ultimate dining experience. Best of all: you can choose where you want to enjoy your dinner, whether it's outdoors or indoors.
This is an excellent option for a romantic and intimate date celebrating an anniversary or a birthday. Since it’s customisable, you can make it work for families and friends.
5. Stargaze at Stewart Island
Watch the night sky and spot constellations and planets. Image credit: @oneviewatatime on Instagram
The southern part of NZ is famous for its majestic, clear skies. From heart-pumping skydives to scenic flights and heli hikes, people from all over the world travel to the country to experience its unpolluted atmosphere.
Stewart Island, in particular, is renowned for its fantastic skies. Its Māori name, Rakiura, translates to "land of the glowing skies." It's also been certified as a Dark Sky Sanctuary by the International Dark-Sky Association, solidifying its status as one of the prime stargazing locations in the world.
If you're spending the night or longer, stargazing is definitely one of the can't-miss things to do in Stewart Island. You can head to Observation Rock to get a good view of the nightscape. There's also the option of going on a guided tour that takes you to the best spots and provides you with the equipment to fully appreciate the stars. If the timing is right, you can even catch the southern lights!
6. Walk on the wild side and discover wildlife on a visit to the unspoilt Ulva Island
Meet native NZ birds like the weka at Ulva Island. Image credit: @realjourneys on Instagram
One of the best ways to enjoy the pristine waters is by going on a scenic cruise. It's even better when there's an unforgettable destination at the end of the trip. Ulva Island has been called Stewart Island's jewel in the crown because of its well-preserved natural gems, fantastic birdlife, and predator-free environment.
With the Ulva Island tour, you'll get to discover the highlights — from the vibrant native plants like orchids and dinosaur plants to rare bird species like kiwis, wekas, and yellowheads. There's also the chance to see penguins and fur seals during the cruise. Perfect for animal lovers!
Pro tip: wear non-slip shoes so you won't have trouble walking through the forest during the tour.
7. Visit the Rakiura Museum
Discover the island’s history and wildlife on a visit to the local museum. Image credit: @sinkswimsink on Instagram
You never really get to know a place without learning about its history. At Stewart Island, the best place to do that is by stopping by Rakiura Museum. The volunteer-run museum is home to well-preserved items from the island's early history.
Teeming with old equipment from its whaling, timber milling, and mining heritage, you'll get a glimpse of how the Māori people lived in the early days.
Kids under the age of 17 get free access to Rakiura Museum, so it's a great educational activity for the entire family!
8. Go on a ferry ride from Bluff to Stewart Island.
Enjoy views like this on your way to the spectacular Stewart Island. Image credit: @realjourneys on Instagram
As the southernmost point in NZ, there are only two ways to get to Rakiura. One option is to book a flight, while the other, more affordable option is taking a Stewart Island ferry.
If you're staying in Queenstown, Bluff is a comfortable three-hour drive away. Once there, you can take a ferry to Rakiura, which is only an hour long. You can take the time to sneak in a quick nap, or you can enjoy the view of dolphins and seabirds along the way. Once you've arrived, you can take your pick among the best things to do in Stewart Island and make your own plans.
Pro tip: make sure to check out the timetable before your trip so you won't miss the ferry.
Premium Activities
9. Meet wild Southern Brown Kiwi on a cruise and guided bushwalk
Feel one with nature as you explore the lush forests of Rakiura
Thanks to its natural environment, Stewart Island is home to several bird species that's difficult to find anywhere else in the world. And the Southern brown kiwi is one of them.
During the wild kiwi tour, you'll get a chance to see the adorable birds (and local icons) in their natural habitat. With an expert guide, you'll head to a beach in the southern section of the peninsula, where kiwis usually hunt for food.
You'll also enjoy a cruise and see Rakiura's finest sights, like the well-preserved Ulva Island and the stunning Little Glory Cove.
10. Spend the night (or five) at the Stewart Island Lodge
Incredible bayside views await you at the Stewart Island Lodge
With so many things to do in Stewart Island, a day may not be enough to fully enjoy everything it has to offer. If you have time, consider spending the night at the island for the ultimate immersive experience.
The Stewart Island Lodge is one of the best accommodations on the sparsely populated island. Its convenient location means that it's a five-minute walk away from the local village and restaurants. It also offers sweeping views of the heavenly Halfmoon Bay and Foveaux Strait.
A stay at the lodge also includes complimentary pick-up from the Stewart Island ferry and a hearty continental breakfast. Ideal for families and friends!
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