Where Quiet Bays, Wild Forest & Southern Stillness Come Together
 
Stewart Island / Rakiura isn’t just New Zealand’s southernmost escape – it’s a place shaped by tides, birdsong and the kind of calm that settles into you. This is island life at its most unfiltered: coastal tracks slipping down to sheltered coves, kiwi wandering at the edges of torchlight, and the ocean close enough to set the rhythm of the day.
 
If you’re searching for the top things to do in Stewart Island, you’ll find experiences defined by stillness, nature and the gentle feeling of being somewhere a little removed from the rest of the world. Wander coastal paths to quiet beaches, explore Ulva Island’s predator-free sanctuary, follow forest trails beneath ancient canopy, or sit on the shore at dusk as the sky deepens and the stars begin to gather. Rakiura is remote, warm in its simplicity, and quietly unforgettable – never hurried, never crowded.
 
This is your essential Stewart Island guide – showcasing wildlife encounters, walking tracks, local favourites and easy ways to explore New Zealand’s most peaceful island at your own pace.