2025 Stewart Island Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Traveling to New Zealand under the Aurora is a dreamy and unique experience. The following are relevant introductions and suggestions: 1. Best viewing time: - April to September every year is the best time to watch the Southern Lights in New Zealand. During this period, New Zealand is in the autumn and winter seasons. The nights are longer and the probability of clear skies is higher, which is more conducive to the appearance and viewing of the Aurora. However, the appearance of the aurora is uncertain and requires some luck even during the best viewing period. 2. Best viewing location: - Southern South Island: - Tekapo: This is a famous starry sky town. It is located within the World Dark Sky Reserve. It has little artificial light, high terrain, dry climate and high air transparency. It is an excellent place to watch aurora and starry sky. During the day, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the Church of the Good Shepherd, snow-capped mountains and lakes. - Wanaka (Wanaka): The scenery here is beautiful, and you can take a photo easily. The best place to watch the aurora is Eely Point, which is within walking distance from the center of Wanaka. You can enjoy the beautiful starry sky at night. This is also a paradise for ski enthusiasts, and there are a wealth of outdoor activities to participate in during the non-Aurora viewing season. - Aoraki/Mt Cook: Mount Cook National Park is a dark sky reserve with no light pollution, and you can see the beautiful starry sky and aurora. However, the terrain here is rugged and you need to pay special attention to safety when walking at night. - The Catlins: Located on the southeastern coast of the South Island, it is an excellent destination for encountering the Aurora. There are also many wild animals, as well as natural and natural beauty such as waterfalls, coastal heritage roads, forest petrified remains, and cathedral coast cliff caves. Historic landscape. - Stewart Island: New Zealand's third largest island, located 30 kilometers south of the South Island. It is far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. More than 85% of the area is a national park. The ecological environment is pristine and pure. It is a good place to increase the chance of encountering the Aurora. You can also experience hiking and bird watching. - The southern tip of the North Island: Breaker Bay in Wellington, the southernmost city of the North Island, also has the opportunity to see the aurora. It has beautiful white sand beaches and clear water. While admiring the aurora, you can also feel the vitality and multiculturalism of the city. 3. Travel preparation: - Warm equipment: Aurora viewing is usually at night, and temperatures are low in New Zealand’s autumn and winter. You need to prepare enough warm clothing, such as down jackets, thermal underwear, hats, scarves, gloves, etc. - Photography equipment: If you want to photograph the aurora, you need to bring a professional camera, a tripod and a lens suitable for long exposure. Setting a long exposure can make the colors of the aurora more vivid, and it is recommended to carry spare batteries and memory cards. - Transportation: Some aurora viewing areas are relatively remote. Self-driving is a more convenient mode of transportation. You can freely arrange your itinerary and stay time. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can also choose to join a local Aurora viewing group. - Accommodation arrangements: Book accommodation close to the aurora viewing area in advance so that you can go to watch the aurora in time when it appears. Some hotels or B&Bs that provide aurora viewing services are also good choices. They may provide relevant information and reminders. 4. Matching with other activities: - Daytime travel activities: While waiting for the Aurora to appear during the day, you can participate in New Zealand's rich outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, visiting vineyards and tasting wine, etc. New Zealand has magnificent natural scenery, such as fjords, snow-capped mountains, lakes, etc., which are worth spending time exploring. - Food experience: Taste New Zealand's specialties, such as seafood, mutton, dairy products, etc. You can also try local coffee and wine to add more fun to the trip. In short, traveling to New Zealand under the aurora requires planning and preparation in advance, while maintaining patience and flexibility in order to encounter the beautiful aurora at the right time and place.

Stop: Rakiura Track The Rakiura Track on Stewart Island offers a journey into one of New Zealand’s most untouched landscapes, where the forest, sea, and wildlife intertwine in perfect balance. This Great Walk unfolds over three days, carrying hikers through lush podocarp and rimu forests, across tidal inlets, and along sweeping stretches of coastline where the sound of waves blends with the calls of native birds. The experience feels both remote and intimate. Every step through the mossy undergrowth reminds you of how wild and pristine the island remains, while open sections by the shoreline reveal views of bays dotted with fishing boats and distant hills softened by mist. Nights bring their own magic—many walkers hear or even glimpse the elusive kiwi in the dark, one of the few places in the country where this is a real possibility. Unlike the more dramatic alpine Great Walks, the Rakiura Track has a gentler rhythm, inviting walkers to slow down and connect with the island’s natural calm. The sense of solitude, broken only by the rustle of birds or the shifting tide, makes the journey as much about peace as it is about scenery. It’s less about conquering landscapes and more about being absorbed into them. #mytraveldiary

Just south of New Zealand’s South Island lies Stewart Island (Rakiura), a pristine wilderness where nature takes center stage. Known for its rugged coastlines, untouched forests, and incredible birdlife, this island is a haven for adventurers and nature lovers. With its name meaning “Land of Glowing Skies”, it’s also one of the best places in New Zealand to spot the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). Highlights: • Rakiura National Park – Covering 85% of the island, this park offers endless hiking trails, secluded beaches, and lush rainforests. • Ulva Island – A predator-free sanctuary where rare native birds like the kiwi and kaka thrive in their natural habitat. • Aurora Australis – On clear nights, the Southern Lights dance across the sky, painting it with magical colors. • Birdwatcher’s Paradise – Stewart Island is one of the few places where kiwis roam freely in the wild. Travel Tips: ✔️ Best time to visit: Summer (Dec–Feb) for hiking and wildlife, or winter nights for a chance to see the Southern Lights. ✔️ The island is accessible by ferry from Bluff or by a short flight from Invercargill. ✔️ Bring good hiking boots and rain gear – the weather changes quickly. ✔️ Stay overnight to truly experience the island’s tranquility and night skies. #StewartIsland #Rakiura #NewZealand #AuroraAustralis #WildlifeParadise #TripMoment

#tesaruonbudget Stewart Island is New Zealand’s third island and a dream destination for nature lovers. While getting there involves a ferry or flight, once you arrive, the real treasures are mostly free. Budget travelers can hike sections of the Rakiura Track, explore deserted beaches, and spot native birds like kiwi in the wild. The island is also known for its night skies, which are some of the darkest in the country, perfect for free stargazing. Camping is a low-cost accommodation option, making Stewart Island surprisingly accessible for those on #tesaruonbudget who crave remote, untouched beauty and authentic Kiwi wilderness experiences.

📅 Itinerary One of the few pest-free open sanctuaries in New Zealand. In this unspoiled rainforest you can see rare birds and even sea lions at close quarters in a safe environment mostly unchanged by human activity. How to reach there - To reach Ulva Island, you have to book a water taxi from Steward Island in advance (two to go basis) . The self guided trip is only Nzd30 and meet at Golden Bay Wharf at 9am and the skipper will drive you on his boat. It only takes 5-10minutes to reach there and you have up to 3.5hours to clear all the four walks - Sydney Cove - 5mins Flagstaff Point Lookout another 5 mins Boulder Beach - where a family of huge Sea Lions by the beach and one inside the bush (so be careful as they can be any where near the beach) West End Beach -45mins where I saw the Kiwi ran passed the walking path at lightning speed. Lots of Wekas and they can just walk besides and towards you. Just be back at 12:30pm as instructed by the skipper as you are not allowed to camp or stay overnight in the private island. Bring along bottled water and bananas or apple with a trash bag to collect the rubbish. Caution on the sea lions as they are big and huge and can move very fast thus stay a distance to watch them and watch out for one or two that are having their chill time within the bushes near the beach as you may end out getting too close to it.

At the southernmost point of the South Island, some 450 miles (725 km) from Christchurch, Stewart Island (斯图尔特岛)is a remote last stop, isolated but bountiful in nature and the best place in all of New Zealand to spot a kiwi, the elusive national bird, in the wild. New Zealand third island Named Stewart Island by colonial settlers, and Rakiura ('glowing skies') by the original Maori inhabitants of the area, this sparsely populated island. Just 1 town, few roads and just a few hundred inhabitants. I travel to Invercargill from Dunedin by Intercity Coach and then you can book a van to bring you from Invercargill to Bluff Ferry Terminal. Coach company - Catch-a-bus South - cheaper to take the morning 8am schedule (all in $31+) and they will fetch you from your hotel/hostel and to the ferry terminal in time to catch the first ferry service at 9.45am. How to reach to Steward Island. Wind-tossed flights (10mins , Nzd220-$300 return) connect the island's only town, Oban, to Invercargill on the South Island, or you can brave d ocean for an hour-long ferry Nzd125, one way) crossing from Bluff over the notoriously choppy Foveaux Strait. Stewart Island has only one town, which is where almost everyone arrives, and most of d island's 12½ miles (20km) of roads link Oban to surrounding bays outside the national park area. To penetrate deeper into the interior, you have to walk, but water taxis can drop you off at remote bays around the national park so you can start your tramp in pristine nature. Sea kayaks are another pop way to explore, but most paddlers stay close to Oban in Paterson Inlet. Note: Water taxis are the only way to reach Ulva Island. Nzd30 from Golden Bay Wharf, Oban to Ulva in 10minutes. Easy to manoeuvre around on your own. Just be back at 12:30pm where the skipper will fetch you back to Oban. Boat ride starts 9am, so you have 3.5hours to spend on the island and with my experience u can finish all the walks on the island. Stay - Shoestring Steward Island Backpackers A handy central location in Oban n a sunny garden add to d appeal at this small, cosy backpacker hostel in an old wooden villa. (Dorms from NZ$34/US$23) Things to do Water taxi to Ulva island Fishing trip to catch blue cod Island hopping Night trip to see Kiwi Walking and Hiking along Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island. The Rakiura Track takes you 4-5 hours walk. Meals Be your own chef - Buy groceries at Four Square groceries. Budget - Have a fish and chip and a pint of beef at South Sea Hotel. Luxe - seafood , abalone, oysters , salmon, crayfish to spice up your life.

#summervacay Stewart Island is New Zealand’s third-largest island and a hidden treasure for summer adventurers and nature lovers. With around 85% of the island protected as Rakiura National Park, it offers untouched wilderness, lush forests, and serene beaches. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy hiking trails like the Rakiura Track, birdwatching (including kiwi in the wild!), and boat tours through secluded bays. Oban, the only settlement, is quaint and peaceful, with a welcoming local vibe. The longer days and milder weather make summer the ideal time to disconnect from modern life and truly immerse yourself in nature.

———🔥2025 Good Luck Guide——— Who says you have to wait for a promotion, raise, or financial freedom to chase the aurora? The Maori elders say: The moment you see the aurora, ✨the cosmic bank will automatically deposit 365 days of good luck into your account✨ ———🔥Top 5 Aurora Hunting Destinations——— 1⃣️ Stewart Island | Aurora Probability Jackpot💎 ✅Maori name "Rakiura" = land of shining skies ✅Most southern end of New Zealand + zero light pollution + aurora spanning the sky ✅Hidden gem: Hike during the day and encounter wild kiwi birds 2⃣️ Lake Tekapo | A Sacred Place Where Stars, Moon, and Aurora Appear Together🌠 ✅Dark Sky Reserve + Mount John Observatory double buff ✅Photography tip: Use the church as a foreground, and the lake reflects the aurora ✅Aurora forecast website: Aurora Service to check KP values in real time 3⃣️ The Catlins | Limited Edition Pink and Green Aurora ✅Cliff viewing platform facing the Antarctic Circle ✅Aurora hunting bonus: Chance encounter with yellow-eyed penguins returning to their nests 4⃣️ Wanaka | The Lonely Tree + Aurora Double Strike Eely Point location: Long exposure captures the tree shadow dancing with the aurora 🌌When the aurora index is high, the lake surface will turn into an emerald curtain 5⃣️ Invercargill | Aurora Mirror Magic ✅Most southern city + Victorian-style architecture 🌊Seaside photography: The aurora forms a "sky mirror" on the sea surface ———[Must-See for the 2025 Aurora Season]——— 📅Best time: Winter nights from April to September (visible to the naked eye when KP index > 4) ⏰Golden hours: 19:00–02:00 (better to avoid the full moon) 🌡️Feels like temperature: -5℃~5℃ (extremely cold at night in the South Island!) ———📸List of Equipment for Great Photos——— ❶Camera: Full-frame + wide-angle lens (14–24mm focal length) ❷Tripod: Carbon fiber model with antifreeze function ❸Warmth: Electric socks + touchscreen gloves + hand warmers (stick them on the camera to prevent condensation!) ❹Aurora parameters: ISO1600 + aperture f/2.8 + exposure 8–15 seconds "This isn't chasing the light, it's directly robbing the cosmic energy vault❗️" ——The aurora taken with a long exposure on your phone will become a real-life lucky charm "When the purple-green light band tears through the night, the Southern Cross is pressing the restart button for your 2025" Remember to use the aurora photos you took in New Zealand as your phone's screen saver. The lock screen will take effect immediately, and good luck will be with you!

During my visit to Stewart Island for Chinese New Year 2024, I was captivated by the island's serene beauty and the unique blend of local traditions with the festive spirit. Even though the ferry ride there was very bumpy but the community's warm hospitality made the journey & celebration truly special. Exploring the island's natural wonders, I encountered diverse wildlife, including the iconic kiwi and penguin species. The pristine landscapes and vibrant birdlife offered a memorable experience, making my time on Stewart Island unforgettable. #celebrateit #travel #couplestrip #beachlife #naturalwonders #newzealand

Traveling in New Zealand under the aurora is a dreamy and unforgettable experience. Here is some related information: 1. Best time to watch: - The aurora in New Zealand is the southern aurora, which is usually the highest probability of seeing in winter (June to August). The night is longer during this time, and the sky is clearer, providing good conditions for the appearance of the aurora. - However, on some nights in spring and autumn (March to May, September to November), if the solar activity is strong, it is also possible to see the aurora. 2. Best viewing location: - South Island: - Lake Tekapo: This is one of the most famous aurora viewing spots in New Zealand. The terrain around Lake Tekapo is open, the lake is clear and calm, and when the aurora appears in the night sky, it will be reflected on the lake, forming a beautiful symmetrical picture. And there is less light pollution, which can provide excellent viewing vision. - Dunedin: Located in the southeast of the South Island of New Zealand, its long coastline provides a unique background for viewing the aurora. On the beach in Dunedin, you can watch the southern aurora dancing in the night sky while listening to the sound of the waves, feeling the magic and romance of nature. - Stewart Island: The third largest island in New Zealand and a paradise away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is almost no light pollution here, and the stars and aurora are particularly bright. The island also has rich natural landscapes. During the day, you can go hiking and other activities, and wait for the arrival of the aurora at night. - Christchurch: Some areas near Christchurch, such as Birdlings Flat and Porthills, are also good places to watch the aurora. When the aurora appears, you can enjoy the colorful light shining in the night sky in these places. 3. ** - Itinerary arrangement: - If you have plenty of time, you can arrange a South Island tour, combining aurora viewing with other attractions. For example, starting from Christchurch, go to Lake Tekapo for a few days, wait for the appearance of the aurora, and enjoy the surrounding scenery, such as the Good Shepherd Church; then go to Queenstown to experience various exciting outdoor activities, such as bungee jumping, skydiving, etc.; then go to Dunedin to feel the cultural atmosphere of this historic city; finally return to Christchurch. - If you have limited time, you can choose to go directly to the city near the aurora viewing spot, such as Christchurch or Dunedin, and then participate in the local aurora viewing group, so that you can more easily find the best viewing position, and have a professional guide to explain the aurora Related knowledge. - Accommodation selection: - In Lake Tekapo, Dunedin and other aurora viewing spots, there are various types of accommodation to choose from, including hotels, homestays and campsites. If you want to better appreciate the aurora, you can choose to live in a homestay by the lake or the sea, so that you can watch the aurora directly outside the room or in the yard at night. - If you choose to camp, be sure to pay attention to warmth and safety, bring enough warm equipment and food, and choose a safe camping location to avoid dangerous areas such as rivers or cliffs. - Other preparations: - Warm clothing: The night in New Zealand is very cold, especially when watching the aurora, you may need to stay outdoors for a long time, so be sure to bring enough warm clothing, such as down jackets, thermal underwear, hats, gloves, scarves, etc. - Photography equipment: If you want to shoot the aurora, you need to bring professional photography equipment, such as SLR cameras, SLR cameras, and door lines. At the same time, you need to master certain photography skills, such as setting long exposure, adjusting aperture and sensitivity, etc., to take satisfactory photos. - Aurora monitoring tools: Download some aurora monitoring APPs, pay attention to the KP index of the aurora, so as to keep abreast of the appearance and intensity of the aurora.

Stewart Island, the southernmost island of New Zealand! 🏝️ Because it is close to Antarctica, it is cold in winter and cool in summer, but there is a chance to see the aurora and kiwis! I was able to see both the aurora and kiwis at the same time on the day I arrived 💫 (It is more likely to see the aurora in winter, so I was extremely lucky to see it in summer) The island has a population of about 400 people, and there are only a few restaurants and cafes and one foursquare. However, everyone lives a relaxed and comfortable life. It is famous as a place where you can see wild kiwis, and there is a high chance of seeing them if you go on a night kiwi tour! When you go looking for kiwis, look for them with a red light, not a white light 🔍 And above all, Stewart Island has many hiking routes! Among them, the North Circuit, which takes 12 days to go around, is the most famous 🚶♀️It seems to be quite muddy and difficult, but it seems to give you a tremendous sense of accomplishment. #StewartIsland #New Zealand #Stewartisland

New Zealand travel guide: Explore the miraculous natural scenery: From the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier to the stunning lakes, the nature of New Zealand will keep you amazed!🏞️ Stroll through the open-air market: Visit the open-air markets in Wellington or Auckland, taste local food and handicrafts.🛍️ Taste wine: New Zealand is the birthplace of delicious wine, don't miss the vineyard tour in Marlborough.🍇🍷 Hiking adventure: Challenge the hiking trail in Te Kapo Arl South National Park and appreciate the breathtaking mountain scenery.🥾⛰️ Experience Maori culture: Participate in the traditional performances of the Maori people and understand their unique culture and history.🌺👩‍🎤 Visit movie locations: If you are a fan of the 'Lord of the Rings' or 'Hobbit' series, be sure to go to the filming location to feel the magic of the movie.🎬✨ Drive along the beautiful coastline: Drive on the coastline of New Zealand, enjoy the magnificent sea view and islands.🚗🌊 Surfing adventure: New Zealand has first-class surfing spots, challenge yourself to surf in the waves of Hamersprings or Raglan Bay.🏄‍♂️🌊 Visit the open-air hot springs: Enjoy the natural open-air hot springs in Rotorua or Hamersprings to soothe the fatigue of the journey.♨️💆 Bird watching paradise: Go to Kaikoura or Stewart Island to appreciate New Zealand's unique birds, especially kiwis and albatrosses.🦜🌿 Precautions: Respect Maori culture, understand and abide by local cultural customs. Carry sunscreen and appropriate equipment for outdoor activities to cope with unpredictable weather. Drive on the left and adapt to New Zealand's unique traffic rules. Understand local emergency rescue information and medical services in advance. Some scenic spots need to be booked in advance, be sure to consider when planning your itinerary. New Zealand's natural environment is fragile, please keep the environment clean and do not litter. Respect wildlife, stay away from animals and plants in the protected area, and keep a safe distance. Follow local safety regulations on beaches and surfing areas to ensure your own safety. Pay attention to food safety, avoid attracting animals when dining outdoors. Use appropriate insurance to ensure safety and health during the journey. Wish you a happy and safe journey in New Zealand!🌏✈️

#Hiking I visited Stewart Island, the southernmost inhabited place in New Zealand. From the first day, my son and I started hiking through the deep subtropical forest. I felt recharged as I walked through a place full of lush trees and birds chirped for the first time. #New Zealand Travel Stewart Island #Hiking #New Zealand South Island