A Natural Ecosystem
The third island in New Zealand...
New Zealand is always thought of as a country of two islands, one north and one south, but there is a third: Stewart Island.
Sitting quietly beneath the South Island across Foveaux Strait is Stewart Island also known as Rakiura in Maori. This translates as "Glowing Skies", a reference to the island's beautiful fiery sunsets and the aurora australis (Southern Lights) that are sometimes seen at this latitude.
Sunset over Stewart Island
Stewart Island is a place of surprising contrasts. It is New Zealand's third largest island with a land area of 2000 square km and of this Rakiura National Park occupies an incredible 85%.
Despite its size it has a population of less than 400 friendly locals and only 25 km of roads and although it is firmly planted in the far south of NZ, the surrounding ocean maintains a very mild climate.
So much space, so few people and temperate weather has preserved Stewart Island as an almost untouched wilderness teeming with native flora and fauna.
For anyone interested in enjoying the natural world and experiencing life at an even more relaxed pace than in any other part of New Zealand it is compulsory viewing. [click for more]
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