Stewart Island
Southern Lights seekers who want to combine aurora watching with a once-in-a-lifetime wild kiwi encounter
About Stewart Island
Stewart Island / Rakiura is New Zealand's third-largest island, just 30km south of the South Island across Foveaux Strait, and one of the country's best destinations for Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) viewing. At 46.9°S, the island is further south than Queenstown, with darker skies and lower light pollution — Halfmoon Bay (Oban), the only settlement, has just 400 residents. The Aurora Australis is visible from Stewart Island on clear winter nights between April and September, typically appearing as green curtains across the southern sky. The island is 85% national park and contains one of New Zealand's most important kiwi populations — nocturnal guided tours regularly encounter brown kiwi in the wild, one of the world's most special wildlife experiences. Yellow-eyed and little blue penguins breed on island beaches. The Rakiura Track (Great Walk) traverses stunning coastal forest and beaches. Winter visitors who combine aurora watching with a kiwi tour on the same night experience something genuinely unique. Accommodation is limited; book well ahead for winter travel.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | +14°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Feb | +14°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Mar | +13°C | 3h | Low |
| Apr | +11°C | 8h | Med |
| May★ Best | +8°C | 12h | Med |
| Jun★ Best | +6°C | 15h | Med |
| Jul★ Best | +5°C | 14h | Med |
| Aug★ Best | +6°C | 11h | Med |
| Sep★ Best | +8°C | 7h | Low |
| Oct | +10°C | 3h | Low |
| Nov | +12°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Dec | +14°C | Midnight sun | — |
Activities
Getting There
Ferry from Bluff (1h, Stewart Island Experience) or small plane from Invercargill (20min, Stewart Island Flights). Drive to Bluff from Invercargill (30min). Invercargill Airport (IVC) flies from Christchurch and Wellington.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Oban guesthouses
- ✓Backpacker lodges
- ✓Luxury eco Lodges
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $120/day in Stewart Island. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
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Argyle Apartments
15 Argyle Street, Rakiura, Oban 9818, New Zealand
hotel
Stewart Island Lodge
14 Nichol Road, Oban 9818, New Zealand
bed and breakfast
Rakiura Lodge
8 Miro Crescent, Oban 0000, New Zealand
lodging
Kaka Retreat
7 Miro Crescent, Stewart Island, Oban 9818, New Zealand
lodging
Observation Rock Lodge Stewart Island
7 Leonard Street, Oban 9818, New Zealand
hotelJensen Bay House - Stewart Island, NZ
54 Leask Bay Road, Stewart Island 9818, New Zealand
bed and breakfastRakiura Retreat
Horseshoe Bay Road, Stewart Island / Rakiura 9818, New Zealand
motelThe Bay Motel
9 Dundee Street, Oban 9818, New Zealand
motelLand's End Boutique Hotel
10 Ward Parade, Bluff 9814, New Zealand
hotelSouth Sea Hotel
26 Elgin Terrace, Oban 9846, New Zealand
hotel🍽️Where to Eat(8)
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The Snuggery
9 Ayr Street, Oban 9818, New Zealand
cafe
The Old Butchershop Café - Stewart Island
6 Main Road, Oban 9818, New Zealand
cafe
Kai Kart
7 Ayr Street, Stewart Island, Oban 9846, New Zealand
meal takeaway
Observation Rock Lodge Stewart Island
7 Leonard Street, Oban 9818, New Zealand
hotel
Kaka Retreat
7 Miro Crescent, Stewart Island, Oban 9818, New Zealand
lodgingChurch Hill Boutique Lodge
36 Kamahi Road, Oban 9846, New Zealand
lodgingThe Bay Motel
9 Dundee Street, Oban 9818, New Zealand
motelSouth Sea Hotel
26 Elgin Terrace, Oban 9846, New Zealand
hotel🎯Things to Do(10)
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Stewart Island Snorkel
Golden Bay Wharf, Oban, 9818, Stewart Island, Oban 9818, New Zealand
adventure sports center
Aihe Wildlife Boat Cruises & Water Taxi - Stewart Island
14 Main Road, Stewart Island, Oban 9846, New Zealand
tour agency
Ulva's Guided Walks
10 Main Road, Oban 9818, New Zealand
national park
Stewart Island Conservation Expeditions
Stewart Island Visitor Terminal, Main Wharf, Oban 9818, New Zealand
point of interest
Rakiura Adventure Ltd.
57 Golden Bay Road, Oban 9818, New Zealand
ferry serviceBeaks and Feathers
12 Main Road, Stewart Island, Oban 9818, New Zealand
tour agencyStewart Island Flights
42 Elgin Terrace, Oban 9846, New Zealand
courier serviceUlva Island
Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara walking tracks, Southland 9818, New Zealand
tourist attractionRuggedy Range Wilderness Experience & Tours - Stewart Island
14 Main Road, Stewart Island, Oban 9846, New Zealand
taxi serviceRakiura Charters & Water Taxi
10 Main Road, Oban 9818, New Zealand
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