Also worth discovering: New Zealand, Waiheke and Great Barrier.
⚠️ Timetables, prices and access conditions may change without notice, for reasons beyond our control (season, weather, decisions by operators, venues or local authorities). Before every trip, check the information with the relevant authorities and service providers. Entry requirements and local rules (reserves, quotas) are subject to the same caveat.
South of the South Island, across Foveaux Strait, Stewart Island / Rakiura is New Zealand's third-largest island: about 1,700 km² of ancient forest, 85% of which forms Rakiura National Park, for fewer than 500 inhabitants gathered in the village of Oban. It is one of the best places in the country to see wild kiwi, sometimes even in broad daylight.
One village, one national park and 280 km of trails
Everything happens around Halfmoon Bay and Oban: grocery store, pub, café, DOC visitor centre. Beyond, forest covers almost the whole island, criss-crossed by more than 280 km of trails, with no introduced mustelids: kākā, weka, kākāriki, tūī and penguins thrive here.
Rakiura means “glowing skies”, a reference to the aurora australis that is regularly seen here; the island has been a Dark Sky Sanctuary since 2019.
Ulva Island, kiwi and the Rakiura Track
Ten minutes away by water taxi, the sanctuary island of Ulva Island / Te Wharawhara lets you get close to saddlebacks, Stewart Island robins and kākā. Night trips with RealNZ or Ruggedy Range give you a good chance of spotting a kiwi.
The Rakiura Track, one of the country's Great Walks, is a 32 km, 3-day loop through beaches and forest. Shorter options: Observation Rock (30 min return) and Ackers Point (3 h), where you can watch the tītī and little blue penguins come ashore at dusk.
Ferry from Bluff or flight from Invercargill
The Stewart Island Experience ferry (RealNZ) links Bluff with Oban in about an hour; a shuttle bus runs from Invercargill. Stewart Island Flights reaches the island in 20 minutes from Invercargill (luggage limited to 15 kg). On the island, you walk, take water taxis or rent an e-bike.
October to April, or winter for the auroras
High season (October-April) brings long days and all services open. The climate stays cool and changeable all year (about 1,600 mm of rain a year): pack warm and waterproof clothing. In winter, the long nights favour aurora viewing, but some services close.
Stewart Island at a glance
| Location | South of the South Island, Foveaux Strait |
|---|---|
| Area | ≈ 1,700 km² |
| Population | ≈ 500 inhabitants |
| National park | Rakiura (≈ 85% of the island) |
| Currency | New Zealand dollar (NZD) |
| Access | Ferry from Bluff (1 h) or flight from Invercargill (20 min) |
| Entry requirements (French citizens) | NZeTA + IVL levy, no visa for up to 3 months |
| Good to know | Only one ATM (Oban grocery store) |
Our answers
Do French citizens need a visa?
Not for stays under 3 months, but you need an NZeTA (NZD 17 via the official app) and must pay the NZD 100 IVL levy before departure.
Ferry or plane?
The ferry from Bluff takes about an hour (the strait can be rough, but you will see albatrosses); the flight from Invercargill takes 20 minutes, with a maximum of 15 kg of luggage.
Are you sure to see a kiwi?
No, but your chances are among the best in the country: try a guided night trip or Ulva Island by day, with a red torch and no flash.
How many days should you allow?
At least 2 nights to combine Ulva Island, a kiwi trip and the walks around Oban; add 3 days for the Rakiura Track.