But more than anything, it was 
the place itself that left the biggest 
impression.  Every day offered 
something new, seeing seals hauled 
out along the shoreline, sharks 
ghosting through the water, and 
at night, the unmistakable call of 
kiwi echoing through the bush. 
With no power, no signal, and no 
outside distractions, life narrowed 
down to the essentials, food, 
weather, and the next opportunity.  
It's a rare thing these days.
Stewart Island feels like stepping 
back in time, raw, untamed, 
and completely unforgiving if 
you take it lightly. But for those 
willing to make the trip, it delivers 
in every way that matters.
As we packed up and pointed the 
boat back toward the mainland, 
there was a shared understanding 
among the crew. Trips like this 
don't just tick a box, they stay 
with you and if anything, they 
leave you wanting more.
STEWART ISLAND - RAKIURA
	• Stewart Island (Rakiura), meaning 'glowing skies', is the third-largest 
and southernmost inhabited island of Godzone, lying 30km (16 
nautical miles) south of the South Island, separated by Foveaux Strait.
	• Triangular shaped with a land area of 1,746 km2 (674 sq. mi). Its 
164km (102 mi) coastline is indented by Paterson Inlet (east), Port 
Pegasus (south), and Mason Bay (west). The island is generally hilly 
(rising to 980m or 3,220 ft at Mount Anglem) and densely forested. 
Over 80 percent of the island forms Rakiura National Park.
	• Stewart Island's economy depends on fishing and summer tourism. 
Its permanent population was recorded at just 486 people 
(2023 census).  Most island residents live in the settlement 
of Oban on the eastern side of the island. Ferries connect Oban 
to Bluff in the South Island and takes approximately one hour. 
Travel Info
The late summer weather was 
excellent for the writer’s first trip 
to Stewart Island (Rakiura).
Seven gill sharks cruise the shallow 
beach on the incoming tide.
 /FISHINGINGODZONE  71
VISIT: www.stewartisland.co.nz

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