Rakiura National Park

Rakiura National Park is a protected area in New Zealand.

Rakiura National Park at a Glance

Location
Otago & Southland, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-46.986717, 167.801640
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Rakiura National Park

Nearest airport: Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre (NZTJ), 510 km away.

Big Five in Rakiura National Park

1 of the Big Five can be found here: New Zealand Sea Lion.

Wildlife in Rakiura National Park

Home to 21 recorded species including 12 waterbirds, 4 iconic birds, 2 tropical birds, 1 big herbivores, 1 marine & freshwater, 1 birds of prey.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Rakiura National Park

13 safari lodges available.

budget

Other

Similar Parks in Otago & Southland

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for New Zealand

Travel advisory for New Zealand

Rakiura National Park FAQs

When is the best time to visit Rakiura National Park for wildlife viewing, particularly the famous kiwi?

Rakiura National Park is unique for its diurnal (daytime) Stewart Island brown kiwi, making it a prime spot for sightings. The best time to visit for comfortable hiking and wildlife observation is during the warmer, drier months from October to April, though kiwi are active year-round. These months offer more stable weather for exploring the remote wilderness and its diverse birdlife.

What are the specific health and safety considerations for visitors to Rakiura National Park, especially regarding the stated malaria risk?

While New Zealand is generally considered malaria-free, visitors to Rakiura National Park should consult their healthcare provider regarding the specified moderate malaria risk for this particular protected area. Additionally, be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, prevalent sandflies, and ensure you carry appropriate gear and communicate your intentions when venturing onto remote tracks.

How accessible is Rakiura National Park, and what are the typical costs associated with visiting this remote New Zealand wilderness?

Access to Rakiura National Park, located on Stewart Island, requires a ferry or flight from Bluff or Invercargill on the South Island. While there are no entrance fees for the park itself, transportation costs, accommodation on the island, and guided tours (especially for kiwi spotting) should be factored into your budget. Expect a focus on hiking and nature experiences rather than traditional vehicle safaris.

Given its remote location, what kind of unique wilderness experience can I expect at Rakiura National Park, and how crowded does it get?

Rakiura National Park offers an exceptionally uncrowded and pristine wilderness experience, rated 1/5 for crowding, making it ideal for solitude seekers. You can expect extensive multi-day tramping tracks, opportunities for birdwatching (including rare species), and a profound sense of remoteness, far removed from typical tourist hubs. This low crowding ensures an intimate connection with nature.

Beyond kiwi spotting, what other unique activities and natural features can visitors experience within Rakiura National Park?

Besides the famous Stewart Island brown kiwi, Rakiura National Park offers incredible opportunities for birdwatching, including various seabirds and forest birds like kākā and tūī. Visitors can explore the Rakiura Track, a Great Walk, enjoy kayaking in sheltered bays, or delve into the island's rich Māori and European history, all within a stunning coastal and forest landscape.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.