Stewart Island

Stewart Island

Stewart Island is located about 30 kilometers south of the South Island and is New Zealand's third-largest island. It faces Bluff Harbour across the sea and is renowned for its rugged and untamed natural environment. Captain Cook was the first European explorer to discover the island, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Although it is New Zealand’s third-largest island, it has a small population of just over 500 people. Its appeal to visitors lies in its pristine natural environment. Due to its remote location and separation by the strait, while it may not boast grand natural wonders, Stewart Island’s untouched forests and unspoiled coastlines offer a sense of solitude and isolation that appeals to those who love tranquility and wilderness. The island’s undisturbed ecosystems and habitats for flora and fauna create a breathtaking world where you can enjoy enchanting sunsets while listening to the calls of kiwi birds in serene surroundings. Stewart Island is a paradise for wildlife and bird watching. In addition to hosting numerous seabirds, the island is also home to species such as the yellow-eyed penguin and little blue penguin. The wide variety of land birds further makes Stewart Island a haven for bird enthusiasts.

Stewart Island is favored by travelers worldwide for its magnificent sunrises, stunning sunsets, and brilliant displays of the aurora at night. The island’s latitude features magnetic anomalies, making it one of the best spots to observe the southern lights. It attracts global visitors year-round who come to enjoy the island’s natural scenery along with the spectacular aurora displays.

Stewart Island

Must-visit reason: New Zealand’s best island for viewing the southern lights

Continent where the attraction is located: Oceania

Country/region where the attraction is located: New Zealand

Province/region where the attraction is located: Southland Region