Conservation Area - Stewart Island/Rakiura Forest

Covering most of Stewart Island, Rakiura is a remote and pristine wilderness, renowned as the best place in New Zealand to see wild kiwi in their natural...

Conservation Area - Stewart Island/Rakiura Forest at a Glance

Location
Remote Islands, New Zealand, Australasia
Coordinates
-46.880592, 168.071460
IUCN Category
IV
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Conservation Area - Stewart Island/Rakiura Forest

Nearest airport: Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre (NZTJ), 486 km away.

Big Five in Conservation Area - Stewart Island/Rakiura Forest

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

Weather & Climate in Conservation Area - Stewart Island/Rakiura Forest

The warmest temperatures in Conservation Area - Stewart Island/Rakiura Forest occur in February, averaging 13.6°C (up to 16.7°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 7.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 88.9mm. Average humidity: 80.4%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 13.6°C (rainfall: 119.3mm)
  • February: 13.6°C (rainfall: 107.7mm)
  • March: 12.5°C (rainfall: 109.2mm)
  • April: 11.4°C (rainfall: 125.6mm)
  • May: 10.0°C (rainfall: 90.2mm)
  • June: 8.2°C (rainfall: 91.8mm)
  • July: 7.6°C (rainfall: 110.6mm)
  • August: 8.0°C (rainfall: 88.9mm)
  • September: 8.5°C (rainfall: 141.7mm)
  • October: 9.6°C (rainfall: 133.5mm)
  • November: 11.1°C (rainfall: 107.7mm)
  • December: 12.4°C (rainfall: 136.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Conservation Area - Stewart Island/Rakiura Forest

The best months to visit Conservation Area - Stewart Island/Rakiura Forest are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 13.55°C, rainfall 119.3mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 78.6%
  • February: Poor, temperature 13.58°C, rainfall 107.7mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 78.4%
  • March: Poor, temperature 12.49°C, rainfall 109.2mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 78.6%
  • April: Poor, temperature 11.42°C, rainfall 125.6mm, sunshine 6.3 hrs, humidity 80.2%
  • May: Poor, temperature 10.01°C, rainfall 90.2mm, sunshine 5.1 hrs, humidity 81.4%
  • June: Poor, temperature 8.18°C, rainfall 91.8mm, sunshine 5.2 hrs, humidity 83.6%
  • July: Poor, temperature 7.64°C, rainfall 110.6mm, sunshine 4.6 hrs, humidity 82.2%
  • August: Poor, temperature 8.01°C, rainfall 88.9mm, sunshine 6.6 hrs, humidity 80.4%
  • September: Poor, temperature 8.49°C, rainfall 141.7mm, sunshine 7.4 hrs, humidity 77.7%
  • October: Poor, temperature 9.62°C, rainfall 133.5mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 77.8%
  • November: Poor, temperature 11.06°C, rainfall 107.7mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 77.1%
  • December: Poor, temperature 12.41°C, rainfall 136.1mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 78.8%

Wildlife in Conservation Area - Stewart Island/Rakiura Forest

Home to 32 recorded species including 21 waterbirds, 4 iconic birds, 2 marine & freshwater, 2 birds of prey, 2 tropical birds, 1 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Conservation Area - Stewart Island/Rakiura Forest

Based on average temperature of 10.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 80%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 11°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Conservation Area - Stewart Island/Rakiura Forest

45 safari lodges available.

budget

Other

luxury

Visitor Tips - Conservation Area - Stewart Island/Rakiura Forest

Visiting Rakiura Forest is an immersion into New Zealand's wild heart, a place where the air is pure and the silence profound. We love the thrill of spotting a wild kiwi foraging on the beach at dusk, a truly magical and unforgettable experience unique to Stewart Island. It feels like stepping back in time, a pristine wilderness that reminds us of the power and beauty of untouched nature.

Gate Times

Access to Rakiura National Park and its forest trails is generally open year-round, though we strongly recommend checking the Department of Conservation (DOC) website for track conditions, especially outside of summer. For the popular Rakiura Track, a Great Walk, hut and campsite bookings are essential and can be made well in advance via the DOC website. There are no traditional 'gate times' as this is a national park, but ferry services to Oban, Stewart Island, operate on a schedule, and we advise booking these in advance, particularly during peak season.

Tipping

Tipping is not a customary practice in New Zealand. While exceptional service might occasionally warrant a small gesture, it is neither expected nor required for guides, boat operators, or accommodation staff on Stewart Island. We find that a sincere 'thank you' and positive feedback are always appreciated.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for New Zealand

Travel advisory for New Zealand

Conservation Area - Stewart Island/Rakiura Forest FAQs

How can I maximize my chances of seeing the rare Southern brown kiwi (tokoeka) in their natural habitat on Stewart Island?

To maximize your chances of seeing the Southern brown kiwi (tokoeka), consider joining a guided night tour, as these nocturnal birds are most active after dark and local guides know their preferred spots. Visiting during the quieter shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) can also enhance your chances of a less disturbed encounter in their pristine natural habitat within Rakiura Forest.

What are the essential travel logistics for visiting the remote Rakiura Forest, including transport and accommodation?

Access to Stewart Island is primarily via a ferry from Bluff or a short flight from Invercargill; booking transport and the limited accommodation in Oban well in advance is crucial, especially during peak season. Once on the island, walking, cycling, or local taxis are the main ways to get around, as rental cars are not common for exploring the forest.

Beyond kiwi spotting, what unique outdoor activities and trails are available for exploring the pristine wilderness of Rakiura Forest?

Beyond birdwatching, Rakiura Forest offers exceptional multi-day tramping opportunities, including the Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, showcasing diverse coastal and forest landscapes. Shorter day walks, sea kayaking, and fishing charters are also popular ways to immerse yourself in the island's pristine environment.

When is the optimal time of year to visit Stewart Island/Rakiura Forest for wildlife viewing and comfortable exploration?

The optimal time to visit Rakiura Forest for pleasant weather and longer daylight hours is during New Zealand's summer, from December to February, which is ideal for hiking and exploring. However, the shoulder seasons of spring (Oct-Nov) and autumn (Mar-Apr) offer fewer crowds and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, though weather can be more changeable.

What specific preparations should I make for a safe and comfortable trip to the remote Rakiura Forest, considering its wilderness nature?

Given the remote wilderness, essential preparations include packing waterproof and warm layers, sturdy hiking boots, and sufficient insect repellent for sandflies, which can be prevalent. Always inform someone of your intentions if undertaking longer hikes, and be prepared for limited cell service in many areas of the forest.

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.