Sited at Stewart Island, Rakiura National Park recently opened in 2002. It is a nature reserve park managed and reserved by New Zealand's Department of Conservation. The park covers an area of 157,000 Hectares or 1,570 Square Kms. and interestingly forms about 85 percent of Stewart Island which is also called Rakiura.
Stewart Island is New Zealand's third-largest island. Rakiura is a dreamland of original flora and faunas. It is surrounded by the Southern Ocean from three directions- East, West and South. Rakiura has everything - Rainforests, Freshwater Wetlands from the icy waters of Antarctica, Sand Dunes, Granite Mountain Ranges.
It even gives an excellent opportunity to witness New Zealand's inhabitant wildlife and primitive countryside.
In the year 1770, Captain Cook was the first European who sighted the island. However, he thought it was a part of South Island so he called it South Cape. Later its name changed to Stewart Island.
Weather in Stewart Island is subject to rapid change. Weather can suddenly become Cold and Blustery. So the hikers need to be careful!
Wild Life: White-Tailed Deer, Red Deer, Weka, Kaka, Albatross, Penguin, Tokoeka, Silvereye, Fantail, Kereru, Sooty Shearwater, Tui, Bellbird, Tomtit, Grey Warbler, Fernbird, Bottlenose Dolphin, Fur Seal, Sea Lion and Banded Rail
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Visiting Hours Of Rakiura Park:
Monday to Friday - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday - 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Nearest Town: Bluff Nearest
Airport: Invercargill
Language: English and Maori
| Address: | Main Road |
| Stewart Island | |
| Tel: +64 3 219 0009 |
