Hidden at the southernmost tip of New Zealand lies a region so wild and remote that locals call it “the end of the world.”
Far from the usual tourist circuits, this destination offers landscapes so raw and powerful that many travelers describe their visit as a life-changing experience.
A Journey to the Far South
This place is none other than Stewart Island / Rakiura, located south of the South Island.
With fewer than 400 permanent residents, it is a paradise of untouched forests, golden beaches, and unspoiled wildlife.
There are no shopping malls, no city noise – just the sound of the wind and the waves.
“I felt like I had traveled back in time. It’s just you, nature, and an overwhelming silence,” says Amanda, a traveler from Canada who spent three days hiking there.
Why Travelers Are So Moved
What makes this region special is not just its isolation, but the intense connection with nature.
The island is home to one of the largest populations of kiwi birds in the wild, as well as rare penguins and seals.
On clear nights, the sky lights up with the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis), a spectacle few people ever witness.
What Makes Stewart Island So Unique?
| Feature | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|
| 85% of the island is a national park | Pristine and protected landscapes |
| Aurora Australis | Rarely seen outside Antarctica |
| 280 km of walking tracks | Ideal for multi-day hikes |
| Minimal light pollution | Perfect stargazing conditions |
A Place for Adventurers, Not Tourists
Reaching Stewart Island isn’t easy – you need to take a ferry or a small plane from Invercargill, and weather conditions can be challenging.
But for those who make the trip, the reward is unforgettable.
Top things to do:
- Hiking the Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.
- Watching kiwi birds in the wild at night.
- Exploring Paterson Inlet by kayak or boat.
A Reminder of What Nature Means
Visitors often leave this place with a renewed sense of respect for nature.
There’s no rush, no crowds, just a feeling of being at the edge of the world.
“You don’t just visit Stewart Island, you experience it. It leaves a mark on your soul,” writes a traveler on TripAdvisor.
New zealand one big lair 1080poison for 75 years rivers and land killing every thing that eats it need all the bull shit to tourists how lovely we are but if they knew in new zealand we have killed millions of native birds deer and pigs laying in rivers rotting and out side scientists of America doc have lied for money go watch Poisoning Pardise and the cruelty act is not been followed so get back to me about this many thanks wayno