Stewart Island

Of New Zealand's three main islands, Stewart Island is the southernmost and smallest (about 75km long and up to 45km wide). Approval has recently been granted for the island to become New Zealand's latest national park - it will be known as Rakiura National Park.

Stewart Island is the most natural of New Zealand's three main islands - the least farmed, least logged, least burnt and least built upon. The forests contain the last remnants of what the rest of Southland's native forests were once like. Protecting these habitats, particularly on the pest-free offshore islands, is essential for the long-term survival of kiwi, yellow-eyed penguin, kakapo, New Zealand dotterel, bats, weka, South Island saddleback and wetas (a large cricket-type flightless insect).

For anyone seeking peace and tranquillity, Stewart Island is the ultimate spot. There are superb bush walks and great launch cruises around some of New Zealand's most beautiful coastline. The island's amazingly clear and clean waters make it a snorkelling and diving paradise. It may be remote, but Stewart Island is a natural wonder, with plenty to see and experience, especially for the adventurous.