Technically, Rakiura / Stewart Island is part of Southland, but as Aotearoa’s 3rd largest Island, I feel it needs it’s own page. Rakiura means glowing skies and once you have visited this place, you will understand why. Not only is it possible to see the Aurora Australis from here, but the whole island is a dark sky sanctuary with the most magical night sky.
Rakiura only has one town, Oban, with a population of around 400. With 85% of the island being a National Park, it is an incredible place for tramping, walks, exploring, bird spotting and immersing yourself in nature. There are more kiwi than people on this island, so if seeing one is on your bucket list, you will have a good chance of seeing one in the wild here. They are sometimes even spotted during the day.
If you like the outdoors, you will fall in love with this place.
A LOCAL’S TAIL
It’s been raining most of the day but as it clears, we take the opportunity to quickly walk to our last activity for the trip. Continue reading here.
ULVA ISLAND
It’s our last full day on Rakiura and after a late night out kiwi spotting we have our earliest start yet. We are both pretty tired, but looking forward to our tour. Continue reading here.
SEARCHING FOR KIWI
With a ratio of 5:1 sheep to humans, Aotearoa is well known for its abundance of these woolly mammals. A more interesting, Continue reading here.
Image sourced from LINZ. Crown Copyright reserved
PORT WILLIAM DAY WALK
So far, we have been incredibly lucky with the weather and it’s been amazing exploring Rakiura in the sun. However, today we get to experience what it’s like in the rain. Continue reading here.
EXPLORING RAKIURA – BY KAYAK
Phil’s Sea Kayaks picks us up from our accommodation and takes us for a short drive over to the boat sheds in Golden Bay. We love kayaking Continue reading here.
EXPLORING RAKIURA – BY E-BIKE
I wake up to the sound of birds outside our room. No noise from trains or cars, just nature. I wrap myself in a blanket and sit outside on the porch, watching the day wake up. Continue reading here.
STAR GAZING IN A DARK SKY SANCTUARY
Have you ever stared into a brilliant dark night sky, surrounded by an abundance of twinkling stars? Or been mesmerized by the magical Milky Way? Continue reading here.
TRAVELLING TO THE FAR END OF AOTEAROA
Here’s a tip – if you ever travel with me, don’t trust me with directions, ever! Even if I insist that I know where I am going or have a map, do not believe me. Continue reading here
Exploring the Long White Cloud 