Mesmerising Stewart Island the Destination for 2014

Thanks to a fast catamaran service and affordable air charters from the mainland, Stewart Island (known to Maori as Rakiura, “Land of the Glowing Skies”) is now attracting a new generation of hikers, kayakers and birdwatchers bewitched by its splendid isolation and mesmerising sunsets, the Telegraph’s Mark Chipperfield writes in an article which recommends the island as one of 20 destinations for 2014.

“A number of smart lodges and B&Bs are springing up in the main settlement of Halfmoon Bay (Oban). While bird-watching remains a major draw – the island is home to 100 rare species including kiwi birds – Rakiura is principally a hikers’ paradise, offering a wide variety of landscapes to explore, from tussock grasslands to ancient rimu forests.

“The three-day Rakiura Track is now classified as one of the country’s Great Walks, but there are numerous shorter walks fanning out from Oban. Non-walkers will find plenty of fishing charters, bird-watching tours and other activities, including sea kayaking, to choose from. A visit to the bird sanctuary of Ulva Island is a particular highlight of your journey to the edge of the world.”

Original article by Mark Chipperfield, The Telegraph, January 2, 2014.

Photo by ALAMY.