Stewart Island/Rakiura of New Zealand

One of the beautiful spot of New Zealand is the island of Stewart /Rakiura which is the third-largest island of New Zealand. It lies 30 kilometres (19 mi) south of the South Island, across Foveaux Strait. Its permanent population is slightly over 400 people, most of who live in the settlement of Oban.

For most of the twentieth century, "Stewart Island" was the official name, and that in common use by most New Zealanders.The name was officially altered to Stewart Island/Rakiura by the Ngai Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998, one of many such changes under the Ngāi Tahu treaty settlement. This hilly island with a wet climate has an area of 1 746 km².

The nature of the Stewart Island keeps under thumb on its beautiful and secluded area. Rakiura National Park covers more than 80 percent of the island. It’s home to many of the island’s indigenous species such as the Stewart Island brown kiwi and robin, tui, dotterel, and kaka. The island also boasts some of the country’s most inspiring and invigorating nature walks. With only 28km of road, but an impressive 280km of walking track, short and long, including the Rakiura Track - one of the country’s nine Great Walks, there is something for everyone.

Predator free Ulva Island is a dream destination for bird lovers. It is a place where wildlife roams free and without threat, where bird song fills the air, and rare native plants carpet the island’s floor. Ulva Island can be accessed via a short water taxi ride from the village of Oban / Halfmoon Bay.

Dusk on the island is quite remarkable. It’s not surprising the island is named Rakiura meaning land of the glowing skies, due to the island’s lingering sunsets and the Southern Light displays.