8 Best Things to Do on Stewart Island I Actually Loved

If you're researching things to do on Stewart Island, chances are you've heard people rave about it but don't know much about what actually makes it so special. Before visiting, all I really knew was that it was one of the best places in New Zealand to see kiwi birds in the wild, but I had no idea what else to do with my time there.

After hearing so many travelers talk about how much they loved Stewart Island/Rakiura, I knew I had to make it a priority when I returned to New Zealand for my year living there. I ended up spending nearly a week exploring the island, hiking the full Rakiura Track, visiting Ulva Island, searching for kiwi birds at night, and exploring everything from museums and beaches to some of the island's best viewpoints.

In this guide, I'll share my favorite things to do on Stewart Island, along with the experiences that surprised me most, practical planning tips, and advice on how to make the most of your time whether you're visiting for a day or staying long enough to explore the island more deeply.

Is it Worth Visiting Stewart Island?

Yes, Stewart Island is absolutely worth visiting if you love nature, wildlife, and getting off the beaten path. It's one of the best places in New Zealand to see kiwi birds in the wild, spot native birdlife, and experience landscapes that feel surprisingly untouched.

That said, Stewart Island isn't the easiest destination to reach. Whether you take the ferry or a flight, getting there requires extra time and planning compared to many other places in New Zealand. If you're on a very tight itinerary, you may decide your time is better spent elsewhere.

In fact, despite being New Zealand's third-largest island, many New Zealanders have never visited Stewart Island themselves because of its remote location.

When I first visited New Zealand, I didn't make it to Stewart Island either. At the time, I barely knew it existed. But after hearing so many travelers rave about it, I knew I wanted to see it for myself when I returned to New Zealand for a year.

Originally, my biggest motivation was seeing a kiwi bird in the wild. After learning there are an estimated 20,000 Stewart Island kiwi (Rakiura tokoeka) living on the island (compare that to roughly 400 human residents!), it quickly became one of the places I was most excited to visit.

And while seeing kiwi birds ended up being one of the highlights of my trip, what surprised me most was how much there is to do on Stewart Island. Between hiking the Rakiura Track, visiting Ulva Island, exploring Oban, and learning more about the island's history and wildlife, I left wishing I had even more time.

If you're considering adding Stewart Island to your New Zealand itinerary and have the time for it, then I don't think you'll regret it.

What to Know Before Visiting Stewart Island

Visiting Stewart Island is a bit more logistically complicated than some other destinations in New Zealand. After all, it's a small island located about 19 miles (30 km) south of the South Island.

But don't let that put you off. It ended up being one of my favorite places I visited during my year in New Zealand.

Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.

How to Get There

To get to Stewart Island, you'll either need to take a 20-minute flight from Invercargill or the one-hour ferry from Bluff.

I actually tried both. I flew to the island and took the ferry back so I could experience each for myself. It's a great way to see the island from both perspectives.

Some locals jokingly refer to these experiences as the “20 minutes of terror” and the “vomit comet”… I lucked out with good weather, but I imagine either might not be the most fun if you have poor weather.

Personally, I preferred the flight. The views approaching Stewart Island were incredible, and I was lucky enough to get a seat right next to the pilot. The planes are pretty small, so I imagine most seats get somewhat nice views.

The ferry on the way back wasn't nearly as bad as I'd expected either. I did take motion sickness medication beforehand though just to be safe. One bonus to the ferry is you don't have to worry about your luggage quite as much since the flights have strict weight limits.

If you're struggling to decide, why not do what I did and try both? They tend to be similar in price anyways.

How Long Do You Need on Stewart Island?

One thing that surprised me the most about Stewart Island was how much you can do there.

Before visiting, I mostly associated the island with kiwi birds and the Rakiura Track. While both were highlights of my trip, I quickly realized there was much more to see and do than I'd expected.

If you're short on time, you can absolutely visit as a day trip. However, I think Stewart Island is one of those places that's best enjoyed at a slower pace.

If you have the time, I recommend three full days on Stewart Island. If you plan to do the Great Walk there–the Rakiura Track–I'd consider spending closer to a week there.

Is Stewart Island Expensive?

Stewart Island isn't the cheapest destination in New Zealand, largely because simply getting there adds an extra transportation cost to your trip.

Accommodation can also be surprisingly limited, especially during the busy summer season. In fact, I ended up staying in three different places during my visit because many properties had already booked up.

For that reason alone, I'd recommend checking accommodation availability before finalizing the rest of your plans.

Beyond that, I didn't find prices dramatically different from many other popular destinations around New Zealand.

Best Time to Visit

Like many New Zealand destinations, summer is the best time to visit Rakiura. It tends to have warmer temperatures with an average of 59˚ F (15˚ C).

However, you can visit Stewart Island all year. In winter, the average temperature is 48˚ F (9˚ C). It will be much quieter that time of year and there may not be as much open, but there are still opportunities for wildlife viewing.

I visited Stewart Island in December and thought it was a fantastic time to be there. The weather was generally pleasant, the days were long, and everything was operating for the busy summer season.

Keep in mind though that Stewart Island is known for unpredictable weather year-round, so I'd recommend bringing layers and rain gear no matter when you visit.

Best Things to Do on Stewart Island

Like I said, there are so many activities on Stewart Island. Here's what I did during my visit that I'd recommend.

1. See Kiwi Birds in the Wild

If seeing a kiwi bird in the wild is on your New Zealand bucket list, Stewart Island is one of the best places in the country to make it happen.

I joined a kiwi night tour with RealNZ and honestly wasn't sure what to expect. Wildlife tours can sometimes feel a bit hit-or-miss, especially when you're searching for nocturnal animals in the dark.

The evening started with a boat ride where we spotted everything from little blue penguins and fur seals to yellow-eyed penguins and albatross. Then, after dark, we headed out on foot in small groups to search for kiwi.

At first, we only caught a brief glimpse of one crossing through the bush. Then later in the evening, we got incredibly lucky.

One kiwi wandered into an open area right beside the trail and spent quite a while feeding while we watched. At one point it got so close that it came within about a foot of me and even stopped to sniff one of the people in our group. Our guide said it was the best kiwi viewing they'd had all week.

Between the kiwi sightings, the stars overhead, and all the other wildlife we saw throughout the evening, I thought the tour was absolutely worth it. I didn't end up seeing another kiwi during my time on the island, so I'm so glad I booked the tour to maximize my chances.

2. Visit Ulva Island

If I could only recommend one day trip from Stewart Island, it would probably be Ulva Island.

This predator-free island sanctuary is home to many of New Zealand's native birds and feels noticeably different from much of mainland New Zealand. Because there are no predators, many species that struggle elsewhere have been successfully reintroduced here.

One of the things that struck me most was just how much birdlife there was. During my visit I spotted weka, kererū (New Zealand pigeon), and several other native species while learning about the island's fascinating history from our guides.

The island itself is beautiful too. Unlike parts of Stewart Island that were logged in the past, Ulva Island has never been logged, which makes it feel incredibly pristine.

If you're interested in wildlife, conservation, or native New Zealand forests, I think Ulva Island is one of the most worthwhile experiences on Stewart Island.

Personally, I appreciated going with a tour guide, especially since I didn't know much about New Zealand's native birds at the time. I did wish I'd had the time to go back to the island and enjoy it more though because it has a number of different walking tracks and a lovely beach you can lounge around on.

3. Walk the Rakiura Track

The Rakiura Track is one of New Zealand's Great Walks and one of the biggest reasons many people visit Stewart Island. I spent three days hiking the full track and enjoyed it, but I think it's important to set expectations.

If you're looking for dramatic alpine ridgelines like the Kepler Track or Routeburn Track, this isn't that kind of hike. Along the Rakiura Track, you'll walk experience forest, coastline, beaches, birdlife, and feeling removed from the rest of the world.

One thing I loved was how quiet it felt. Even during New Zealand's busy summer season, there were stretches where it felt like I had the track almost entirely to myself.

If you're not much of a hiker, then you can skip over this suggestion, but if you enjoy hiking, it's worth considering.

While it isn't my favorite Great Walk in New Zealand, I still think it's worth doing if you're interested in seeing a very different side of the country. The combination of native forest, remote beaches, mud, birdlife, and island scenery creates an experience that's unlike any of the other Great Walks I've completed.

Note that there are other hikes around Stewart Island as well. I'd love to return one day and complete the full North West Circuit, which is much longer and even more remote.

4. Enjoy the Views from Observation Rock

If you're looking for a quick and easy activity near town, make the short walk up to Observation Rock. The views over Golden Bay and the surrounding islands are fantastic, especially on a clear day.

I originally stopped by to check out the viewpoint and ended up lingering a bit longer than I expected. There's a bench at the top where I sat for a while journaling and simply taking everything in. I enjoyed it so much that I ended up returning a second time later on in my trip.h friends.

Considering how little effort it takes to get there, I think this is one of the best viewpoints on Stewart Island.

5. Relax at Bathing Beach

Bathing Beach is one of the easiest beaches to visit on Stewart Island and a lovely place to spend a few hours. The walk down is enjoyable in its own right because you get some great elevated views of the beach before descending to the shoreline.

When I visited, even during summer, it didn't feel particularly crowded. The sand is beautiful, the water is clear, and it's a nice place to slow down for a bit after several days of hiking or sightseeing.

One thing to keep in mind: bring bug spray if you plan to spend much time there because the sandflies can be absolutely brutal. You'll also want to keep an eye out for sea lions. While I didn't see any on my visit, they're known to frequent beaches around Stewart Island.

6. Explore Oban

Oban is the only town on Stewart Island, and while it's small, that's part of its charm.

One of my favorite things to do was simply wander around town. The roads are surprisingly hilly, which means you often get great views back over Halfmoon Bay as you explore.

The waterfront is especially pleasant for a stroll, and you'll find a handful of restaurants, cafés, and local businesses scattered throughout town.

I ended up visiting the pub at the South Sea Hotel twice during my stay and found it to be a great place to grab a meal and unwind after a day of exploring. The fish and chips takeaway spot in town was pretty yummy too.

One thing that made me smile was how quickly the island started to feel familiar. Because Stewart Island is so small, you'll often find yourself running into the same people over and over again.

7. Visit the Rakiura Museum

For a deeper understanding of Stewart Island's history, spend some time at the Rakiura Museum. The museum covers everything from Māori history and European settlement to fishing, whaling, and everyday life on the island.

I found it interesting (and super impressive!) to learn about the people who first came to the island and why they settled there to begin with.

It was especially interesting for me to read more about the history of Port William, where I would later spend my first night on the Rakiura Track. It started as a fishing village in 1873 but was quickly abandoned by the next year.

If you're the type of traveler who likes understanding a destination rather than simply seeing it, this is well worth an hour or two of your time. Adult tickets cost just $10 NZD.

8. Stop by the DOC Visitor Centre

Even if you aren't planning to hike one of Stewart Island's longer trails, I still recommend popping into the Department of Conservation (DOC) Visitor Centre. The staff can provide up-to-date information on track conditions, local wildlife, and things to do around the island.

I also enjoyed browsing the exhibits and learning more about Stewart Island's unique ecosystems and conservation efforts. I chatted a bit with the staff about kiwis in the area, and they played their call sounds for me so I knew what to listen for.

For first-time visitors especially, it's a great place to get oriented and learn more about the wildlife and landscapes that make Stewart Island so special.

Where to Stay on Stewart Island

Find accommodation on Stewart Island can be surprisingly difficult, especially if you're visiting during a busy time of year. I recommend looking as soon as you can and securing a place to stay so you don't have to worry about it.

I initially planned to visit the island on different dates but had to reorganize my plans based on the accommodation I was able to find. I ultimately had to stay in three different places too.

Here are the three places I stayed in Oban that I recommend:

📍Budget Option: Stewart Island Backpackers is a popular hostel in town. You can either book a small shared room, private room, or even a space to set up a tent.

📍Mid-Range Option: The South Sea Hotel has a fairly budget feel to it but typically has some of the best rates on private rooms in town. I had my own room and a shared bathroom here. It's nice that the only pub in town is located here, just downstairs from the rooms.

📍Luxury Option: The Bay Motel is a really lovely place to stay. I had a massive suite with multiple rooms, my own bathroom, and a deck. They kindly stored a bag for me during my Great Walk and gave me a free shuttle over to the ferry on my way out.

My Suggested Stewart Island Itinerary

Here are a few suggested itineraries I recommend for your visit to Rakiura.

If You Only Have One Day on Stewart Island

If you're visiting as a day trip, I'd focus on experiencing what makes Stewart Island unique rather than trying to see everything.

Morning

• Explore Oban
• Visit the DOC Visitor Centre
• Walk to Observation Rock

Afternoon

• Visit Bathing Beach
• Explore the waterfront
• Stop by the Rakiura Museum (if time/energy allow)

Evening

• Join a kiwi night tour

If I only had one day, the kiwi tour would be my non-negotiable activity. Keep in mind though that the kiwi night tours can sometimes go quite late into the morning, so if you have an early flight or ferry the next morning, you may not get much sleep.

If You Have 2-3 Days on Stewart Island

I think this is the sweet spot for most visitors.

Day 1

• Explore Oban
• Observation Rock
• Bathing Beach
• Kiwi night tour

Day 2

• Ulva Island tour
• DOC Visitor Centre
• Rakiura Museum

Day 3

• Short walks around Stewart Island
• Relax before departing

With two to three days you'll be able to experience the island's wildlife, scenery, and slower pace without feeling rushed.

If You Have 5-6 Days on Stewart Island

If you plan to do more hiking around Stewart Island, I recommend planning for a bit longer on the island.

Day 1

• Arrive
• Explore Oban
• Observation Rock
• Kiwi night tour

Day 2

• Ulva Island tour
• DOC Visitor Centre
• Rakiura Museum

Days 3-5

• Hike the Rakiura Track

Day 6

• Bathing Beach
• Relax before departing

This is roughly what I did myself for my first visit, and I thought it was a fantastic balance of hiking and experiencing the island itself.

One thing I'm glad I did was spend extra time on Stewart Island before and after the Rakiura Track. It would have been easy to fly in, hike, and leave, but I think I would have missed some of what makes the island so special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions when it comes to planning a Stewart Island itinerary.

Book Your Visit to Stewart Island

I hope this guide has given you plenty of ideas for things to do in Stewart Island and helped you decide whether this unique corner of New Zealand deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Stewart Island ended up being one of my favorite places I visited during my year in New Zealand. I originally came hoping to see a kiwi bird in the wild, but left with so much more appreciation for the island's wildlife and landscapes.

Whether you're planning to spend a day exploring Oban and spotting kiwi birds or several days hiking the Rakiura Track, I'd recommend booking your accommodation and activities as early as possible. Stewart Island is small, and during the busy summer season, things can fill up surprisingly quickly.

➡️ Book Accommodation Here

➡️ Book Your Flights Here

➡️ Book Your Ferries Here

➡️ Book Your Kiwi Night Tour Here