Rakiura National Park opened in 2002 and is the 14th of New Zealand's national parks. The park covers about 157,000 hectares and makes up about 85 percent of Stewart Island/Rakiura.
It encompasses a network of former nature reserves, scenic reserves, and state forest areas. Although the island lies only 30 kilometres south west of Bluff, between latitudes 46 and 47 degrees south, it could well be in another part of the world.
The sunrises and sunsets in soft southern light are amazing. Visitors can explore pristine beaches, sheltered inlets, and coastal forest, and see seals, penguins, kiwi, weka and many other birds.
Source: Department of Conservation - Crown Copyright
