The third largest island in New Zealand, Stewart Island/Rakiura is 75km long, by up to 45 km wide. With only one small village and vast tracts of wilderness, it is the least modified of the main islands. It is home to the country's most southerly national park, Rakiura National Park, which covers approximately 85% of the island (about 157,000 hectares).
While Oban (the only settlement) has few shops, most supplies are available through the local general store. There are no bank or ATM facilities on the island; however, many places accept Eftpos, Visa or Mastercard.
Stewart Island/Rakiura has a cool climate with few temperature extremes. In winter the average temperature is 10 C, in summer it is 16.5 C. Annual rainfall is not high near the coast (1600 mm rising to 3000 mm in the hills) but is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year with rain falling on 200- 250 days. Situated in the roaring forties persistent westerly winds prevail often rising to gale force.
White-tailed deer may be found in moderate numbers all over Stewart Island/Rakiura. Red deer are found in moderate numbers in the Northwest.
Location
Stewart Island/Rakiura is located south of the South Island and is 20 minutes by plane from Invercargill or an hour by ferry from Bluff. The road network is limited to the Oban Township, so access to the rest of the Island is by boat, plane or walking.