Basic ecotouristic information on Rakiura National Park (New Zealand) - localization, access, characteristic, fauna and flora, possible activities.
Localization
Stewart Island - about 85% of the island area. 25,5 km south of New Zealand´s South Island.
Access
Easy. About one-hour ferry ride away from the South Island town of Bluff.
Characteristic
1 570 km2; Hilly island about 75 km long and 45 km wide at its widest point - the highest peak is in the north, Mt Anglem/Hananui at 980 metres. Several hidden bays on the Eastern coast. New Zealand best place for kiwi observation in a natural biotopes. Stewart Island is remarkable for its almost complete cover of natural vegetation, from the sea to cloudy, windswept summits. Typical ecosytems: mostly scarce coniferous and mixed forest, in other parts bushy biotopes, alpine biotopes, large freshwater wetlands, sea and sea coast biotopes, sand dunes extending several kilometers inland.
Fauna + Flora
Species List - See the Attachment Below
Possible activities
More than 280 km of walking tracks, all of which can be accessed from the town of Oban. The tracks range from undemanding short walks around the township area to remote-experience tramping tracks.
Diving and snorkelling.