SmallWhale

Stewart Island / Rakiura

Discover a wild island where fluffy kiwis roam free and the stars shine super bright!

Images

Charadrius obscurus obscurus, Tin Range, Stewart Island, New Zealand

Charadrius obscurus obscurus, Tin Range, Stewart Island, New Zealand

openverse
Stewart Island map-en
Chart of Akaroa Harbour
Rakiura and Foveaux Strait from Bluff Hill
Yellow-eyed penguin. (Megadyptes antipodes)
Bush Robin. New Zealand.
On the edge of the Earth | Au bout de la Terre
New Zealand Bush Robin.
Seal on Stewart Island - Rakiura Track
Chapman's map of the Middle [South] Island, c.1860-1869
New Zealand Kaka (Kākā, Nestor meridionalis)
New Zealand bush robin.

Key Facts

Location
South of New Zealand's South Island.
Population
Around 400 people.
Area
About 1,746 square kilometers (like 1746 soccer fields!).
Main Town
Oban.
Fun Fact
The name Rakiura means 'glowing skies' in the Māori language, because of amazing sunsets and the Southern Lights!

Where is This Magical Island?

Imagine a big, wild island shaped like a sleepy bear, way down south! That's Stewart Island / Rakiura. It's part of a country called New Zealand, which is like a giant country made of islands far, far away. This island is so special because it's mostly a giant park for animals and plants. It's like the biggest nature playground ever!

A Home for Fuzzy and Feathered Friends!

Stewart Island / Rakiura is a super important home for amazing creatures. The most famous is the kiwi, a funny bird that can't fly but loves to waddle around at night looking for yummy bugs. You might also see shy yellow-eyed penguins waddling on the beach or hear the calls of many other unique birds. It's a safe place for them to live and grow.

Adventures in the Wild!

People love to visit Stewart Island / Rakiura for exciting adventures. You can go hiking on trails that wind through green forests, or maybe try kayaking along the coast. The water is super clear, and you might even spot dolphins playing! At night, the sky is so dark and clear, you can see millions of twinkling stars, more than you can imagine!

Living on a Peaceful Island

Not many people live on Stewart Island / Rakiura, so it's very peaceful. The main town is called Oban, and it's like a small, friendly village. People who live here love nature and enjoy the quiet life. They often work with the sea, like fishing, or help take care of the amazing animals and forests.

Was this helpful?
W

Based on content from Wikipedia · Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0