New Zealand-Stewart Island
Index
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STEWART ISLAND - NEW ZEALAND
HOME OF THE KIWI
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Stewart Island or Rakiura is the third largest island of New Zealand. It lies 30 km south of the South Island, and is separated from the mainland by Foveaux Strait. Captain Cook was the first European to sight the island, but he thought it was attached to the South Island so he named it South Cape in 1770. The original Maori name, Te Punga o Te Waka a Maui positions Stewart Island firmly at the heart of Maori mythology. Translated as "The Anchor Stone of Maui's Canoe", it refers to the part played by this Island in the legend of Maui and his crew, who from their canoe, the South Island, caught and raised the great fish, the North Island. For some, Rakiura is the abbreviated version of Te Rakiura a Te Rakitamau, translated as "great blush of Rakitamau", in reference to the latter's embarrassment when refused the hand in marriage of not one, but two daughters of an Island chief.
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RAKIURA MAP
MAP NEW ZEALAND
POLITICAL NZ MAP
DETAILED MAP SOUTH ISLAND
MAP OF WEST PACIFIC
MAP OF SOUTH PACIFIC
Main town: Oban
Ports: ferry service runs between Bluff and Oban
Location: 30 km south of the South Island
Geography: The north of the island is dominated by the swampy valley of the Freshwater River. The southern half of the island is more undulating. Numerous small islands lie around the coast of Rakiura. Rakiura National Park is New Zealand's newest national park. Mason Bay on the westside is notable as a long sandy beach. Ulva Island with an area of 250 hectares is situated in Paterson Inlet. It is very accessible and is managed as an open sanctuary by the Department of Conservation
Area: 1.746 km˛
Climate: the weather is often unpredictable, but the climate is surprisingly temperate with summer temperatures climbing to the mid-20's
Lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Highest point: Mt Aglem 979 m
Population: 385
Languages: Australian
Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Islands around Stewart: Ruapuke Island, Codfish Island, Big South Cape Island, Titi (Muttonbird) Island groups, Bench, Native, Ulva, Pearl, Anchorage, and Noble Island Administrative: part of New Zealand Southland District
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REASONS TO VISIT:
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FLORA FAUNA |
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BEACH SEA |
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ADVENTURE |
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RAKIURA TEMPERATURE TODAY & WEATHER FORECAST
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Pages: 1 of 1 Index
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Last modified:
May 31, 2006, 10:18 AM
Contributed By:
Walter Vaerewijck
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