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Introducing Stewart Island & Outer Islands
For such a small country, New Zealand’s territorial boundaries stretch a long way and cover an extensive range of climates and terrain. To the north the balmy tropical atolls of Tokelau could not be more different to the barren, windswept and bird-laden Sub-Antarctic Islands to the south. The Kermadecs are still scarred by the active volcano on Raoul Island, while the islets around Stewart Island are studded with stands of primeval native forests. Lying 850km east of NZ’s main islands, the increasingly accessible Chatham Islands are home to the fascinating culture of the Moriori, now enjoying a contemporary renaissance amidst a growth in ecotourism opportunities.
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Travellers who undertake the short jaunt to Stewart Island will be rewarded by a warm welcome from both the local kiwi and the local Kiwis. NZ’s largest outer island is a good place to spy the country’s shy, feathered icon in the wild, and the close-knit community of Stewart Islanders are relaxed hosts. Once you’ve said g’day to the locals, set off on a rewarding tramp in Stewart Island’s Rakiura National Park. With a worthwhile injection of effort, relative newcomers to tramping can easily complete one of NZ’s Great Walks, and be surprised and entertained with an uninterrupted aria from native birds.
All this exercise is bound to make you hungry, so refuel with the freshest NZ seafood, before continuing your journey to even more of the country’s remote shores.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
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