Raklura National Park

Raklura Overview

Rakiura National Park, known in the Māori language as “Te Punga o Te Waka a Māui” (the anchor of Māui’s canoe), is located on Stewart Island/Rakiura, New Zealand’s third-largest island.

Established in 2002, it is the country’s newest national park, encompassing approximately 1,399.6 square kilometers (540.4 square miles), which accounts for about 85% of the island’s total area. The park lies about 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of the South Island, separated by the Foveaux Strait.

The terrain of Rakiura National Park is a diverse mosaic of landscapes. Visitors can explore dense coastal rainforests, freshwater wetlands, expansive sand dunes, and rugged granite mountain ranges. The park’s highest peak, Mount Anglem/Hananui, rises to 981 meters (3,218 feet) above sea level, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.

The coastline is equally varied, featuring pristine beaches, sheltered inlets, and steep cliffs. Vegetation is predominantly native bush, including species such as rimu, rātā, and kāmahi trees, which provide a lush canopy over the forest floor.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find Rakiura National Park particularly rewarding. The park is renowned for its birdlife, offering perhaps the best opportunity in New Zealand to observe the Southern brown kiwi, or tokoeka, in its natural habitat.

Unlike their mainland counterparts, these kiwi are often active during daylight hours, increasing the chances of sightings. Other notable bird species include the kākā, a forest parrot known for its raucous calls; the red-crowned parakeet; and the Stewart Island robin.

Coastal areas are home to the endangered yellow-eyed penguin and various seabirds. Marine mammals, such as New Zealand fur seals and occasionally dolphins, can be spotted along the shores.

One of the park’s most popular features is the Rakiura Track, a 32-kilometer (20-mile) circuit that typically takes three days to complete. This “Great Walk” meanders through native forests, along coastlines, and across wetlands, providing a comprehensive introduction to the island’s diverse environments.

For those seeking shorter excursions, there are numerous day walks, such as the Fern Gully (2 hours return) and Horseshoe Point (3 hours return) tracks, each offering unique perspectives of the park’s landscapes.

Visitors can engage with the park in various ways, including tramping (hiking), birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking. The Department of Conservation maintains over 25 huts within the park, ranging from basic shelters to more comfortable “Great Walk” huts, providing accommodation options for multi-day treks.

Guided tours are available for those interested in learning more about the park’s natural and cultural history. Additionally, the nearby Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara, a predator-free sanctuary, offers opportunities to observe rare and endangered bird species in a pristine setting.

Conservation efforts in Rakiura National Park have seen both challenges and successes. The absence of certain predators, such as stoats and ferrets, has allowed native bird populations to thrive. However, the presence of other invasive species, including rats and possums, continues to pose threats to the ecosystem.

Ongoing management programs aim to control these pests and protect vulnerable species. The establishment of the park itself is a significant conservation achievement, ensuring the preservation of a largely unmodified ecosystem and providing a refuge for wildlife.

Rakiura National Park offers a glimpse into New Zealand’s natural heritage, with its unspoiled landscapes and rich biodiversity providing a haven for both wildlife and visitors seeking tranquility and adventure.

Park Map

Raklura National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Southern Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka)
This large, flightless bird is native to New Zealand and is notably abundant in Rakiura National Park, with an estimated population of around 15,000 individuals. Unlike other kiwi species, the Tokoeka is active both day and night, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat.

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New Zealand Sea Lion (Whakahao)
One of the world’s rarest sea lion species, the New Zealand sea lion can often be spotted along the coastal areas of the park. These marine mammals are known for their playful behavior and are a significant attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.

New Zealand Fur Seal (Kekeno)
Commonly found basking on the rocky shores of Rakiura, these seals are distinguished by their thick fur coats and external ears. They are agile swimmers and can often be seen hunting in the surrounding waters.

Bottlenose Dolphin
These intelligent and social marine mammals are frequently observed in the waters around Stewart Island. They are known for their acrobatic displays and often approach boats, much to the delight of visitors.

Hector’s Dolphin
As one of the smallest dolphin species globally, Hector’s dolphins are endemic to New Zealand. They can occasionally be seen in the coastal waters of Rakiura National Park, recognized by their distinctive rounded dorsal fins.

Birds

Rakiura National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, offering a sanctuary for some of New Zealand’s most remarkable avian species. The park’s remote location and predator-free islands provide an ideal environment for native and endemic birds to thrive. Visitors to the park can experience the enchanting calls of nocturnal birds and witness rare species in their natural habitat.

Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka)
Unlike other kiwi species, the Stewart Island brown kiwi is active both day and night, making Rakiura one of the best places in New Zealand to observe these iconic flightless birds. They have long beaks with sensitive nostrils, allowing them to forage for insects and worms in the undergrowth.

Kākā
This large, forest-dwelling parrot is known for its playful and inquisitive nature. The kākā has a striking mix of red, green, and brown plumage and is often heard before it is seen, with loud, screeching calls echoing through the forest.

Kākāriki (Yellow-crowned Parakeet)
Bright green with a distinctive yellow crown, this parakeet species is a delight to spot in Rakiura’s forests. It is often seen darting through the trees in search of berries, seeds, and insects.

Tūī
One of New Zealand’s most famous songbirds, the tūī is easily recognized by its iridescent feathers and distinctive white throat tufts. It has a complex vocal range, capable of mimicking other birds and even human sounds.

Bellbird (Korimako)
The bellbird produces some of the most beautiful and melodious songs in the New Zealand forest. It plays a crucial role in pollination, feeding on nectar from native flowers and helping maintain the ecosystem.

Fiordland Crested Penguin
This rare and striking penguin species, with its distinctive yellow eyebrow-like crest, occasionally visits the shores of Rakiura. It breeds in remote coastal areas and is known for its secretive nature.

Yellow-eyed Penguin (Hoiho)
One of the world’s rarest penguins, the yellow-eyed penguin is easily identified by its pale yellow eyes and band of yellow feathers around its head. These shy birds nest in secluded coastal areas and are best observed from a distance.

Morepork (Ruru)
New Zealand’s native owl, the morepork, is named for its haunting, echoing call that can be heard at night. It is a skilled nocturnal hunter, preying on insects, small birds, and rodents.

New Zealand Falcon (Kārearea)
A powerful and agile bird of prey, the kārearea is one of New Zealand’s top avian predators. It is capable of high-speed flight and is known for its fearless nature, sometimes even attacking much larger birds.

South Island Saddleback (Tīeke)
Once endangered, the South Island saddleback has made a strong recovery thanks to conservation efforts. It is recognized by its striking black plumage and bright orange saddle marking, and it is often seen hopping along branches searching for insects.

Rakiura National Park provides an incredible opportunity for birdwatchers to encounter these unique and rare species in their natural habitat, making it one of the premier destinations for wildlife enthusiasts in New Zealand.