Stewart Island

Stewart Island

Stewart Island, also known as Rakiura, is New Zealand's third-largest island, covering an area of 1,746 km2. It is situated 30 kilometers south of the South Island, separated by the Foveaux Strait. The island has a distinct triangular shape and boasts a 164-kilometer coastline that features prominent geographical features such as Paterson Inlet to the east, Port Pegasus to the south, and Mason Bay to the west. The terrain of Stewart Island is characterized by its hilly landscapes, with Mount Anglem rising to a height of 980 meters as the highest point on the island. The land is densely forested, providing a natural habitat for a variety of flora and fauna. Notably, the island is home to a diverse range of flightless birds, including penguins, owing to the limited presence of introduced predators. With over 80 percent of the island designated as the Rakiura National Park, the natural environment is well-preserved and protected. The lack of predators such as cats, rats, stoats, and weasels has allowed numerous bird species to thrive, including weka, kākā, albatross, silvereyes, fantails, kererū, and the flightless Stewart Island Kiwi. Stewart Island also serves as a significant breeding ground for endangered bird species. The Yellow-Eyed Penguin, for instance, has established substantial breeding sites on the island, while the offshore Muttonbird Islands host large colonies of Sooty Shearwaters. Furthermore, the island has played a crucial role in conservation efforts, providing a sanctuary for endangered species such as the kākāpō and the South Island Saddleback. In fact, Stewart Island is the only remaining breeding location for the critically endangered southern New Zealand Dotterel.