Best Things to Do in Rakiura – Stewart Island

Best Things to Do in Stewart Island take you deep into Aotearoa – New Zealand’s wild south, where untouched landscapes, rare wildlife, and a peaceful island lifestyle are part of everyday life. Known as Rakiura — the “land of glowing skies” — this island offers a slower pace, where visitors can walk pristine trails, spot unique native birds, and immerse themselves in authentic southern culture. Whether you come for the hikes, the history, or the incredible night skies, the Best Things to Do in Stewart Island will leave you feeling connected to nature and to the community who call this place home.

Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary

Ulva Island is a predator-free sanctuary that feels like stepping back in time to a primeval Aotearoa – New Zealand. Here, visitors can wander through ancient forest, listen to birdsong fill the air and discover thriving populations of rare native species. The island offers a glimpse of what the mainland once looked like, untouched and teeming with life. It’s a must-do for any wildlife enthusiast, whether you join a knowledgeable local guide or choose to explore at your own pace.

Features:

• Location: Just a short boat ride from Oban
• Wildlife: Kākā, kiwi, saddleback, tīeke, and native robins
• Tracks: Easy walking trails through pristine podocarp forest
• Access: Daily boat taxis or guided tours from Golden Bay
• Tip: Visit early in the morning for the most active birdlife

Rakiura Track – Great Walk

One of Aotearoa – New Zealand’s Great Walks, the Rakiura Track is a true wilderness journey. It offers a stunning mix of coastal scenery, native bush and peaceful beaches, all with far fewer crowds than other Great Walks. This makes it perfect for travellers seeking solitude, natural beauty and birdlife encounters in one of the country’s most untouched places.

Features:

• Length: 32 km loop, usually completed in 3 days
• Terrain: Coastal sections, forest tracks and boardwalks over wetlands
• Highlights: Beautiful beaches, abundant native birdlife and historic sites
• Huts & Campsites: DOC-managed huts and campsites along the track
• Best Time: Summer months for longer daylight and more settled weather

Rakiura Museum

A visit to the Rakiura Museum offers insight into the island’s unique past and the resilience of its people. The displays cover everything from Māori heritage to muttonbirding traditions and the stories of hardy early settlers who made a life in this remote place. It’s small in size but rich in detail, making it an essential stop for anyone wanting to connect with the culture and history of Rakiura.

Features:

• Location: In the heart of Oban village
• Exhibits: Māori history, whaling, fishing and island life
• Cultural Insight: Muttonbirding practices and community traditions
• Family Friendly: Accessible displays for all ages
• Value: Small entry fee that supports local heritage preservation

Hire a Bike and Explore Oban

One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to get around Stewart Island is by hiring a bike. With quiet roads, gentle hills, and plenty of bays close to Oban, cycling gives you the freedom to discover hidden spots, stop at local cafés and soak up the island’s laid-back atmosphere.

Features:

• Location: Bike hire available in Oban village
• Routes: Explore Halfmoon Bay, Horseshoe Bay and Golden Bay
• Flexibility: Hire for a few hours or a full day
• Experience: Scenic cycling on quiet roads with light traffic
• Tip: Bring a rain jacket — island weather can change quickly

Kiwi Spotting Tours

Rakiura – Stewart Island is the best place in Aotearoa – New Zealand to see wild kiwi in their natural habitat. With the highest density of southern brown kiwi in the country, guided tours let you walk quietly through the forest at night and experience the rare thrill of watching these iconic birds foraging along the beach under the stars. It’s an unforgettable highlight of any visit to the island.

Features:

• Unique: Highest density of wild southern brown kiwi in New Zealand
• Tours: Local guides lead night walks from Oban
• Duration: 2–3 hours, with evening departures
• Experience: Watch kiwi feeding naturally on open beaches
• Essential: Dress warmly and wear soft, quiet shoes for the night walks

Final Thought

Rakiura – Stewart Island is a place where life slows down and nature comes alive. From predator-free sanctuaries to Great Walks and local heritage, it offers experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the country. It’s more than a destination — it’s a reminder of Aotearoa’s wild heart.

Plan Your Adventure

Ready to discover the Best Things to Do in Stewart Island? Book your stay in Oban, organise your ferry or flight, and prepare for an unforgettable journey into Aotearoa – New Zealand’s southern wilderness.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.