Rakiura National Park

Rakiura National Park occupies large areas of Stewart Island / Rakiura in New Zealand and protects temperate rainforest, coastal ecosystems and offshore islands. The park is focused on conserving native flora and fauna and on providing backcountry walking and nature-based recreation.

Coastal tracks, beaches, native forest and birdlife, with opportunities for multi-day tramping such as the Rakiura Track and for day walks near the main settlement of Oban. The park is valued for its remoteness and for populations of species that are rare on the North and South Islands.

The protected area was created to conserve the island’s ecosystems and has been managed to reduce introduced predators and preserve native habitats. Stewart Island / Rakiura lies south of New Zealand’s South Island; regular ferry and small-air services connect the island to Bluff and Invercargill on the South Island.

• Hiking: Home to the Rakiura Track, a multi-day hiking route that crosses coastal forest and beaches and is managed by New Zealand's Department of Conservation.
• Wildlife: Noted for relatively intact native birdlife, including nocturnal species that are more common here than on New Zealand's two main islands.