Stewart Island/Rakiura has a permanent population of around 380 which is based mainly at Oban in Halfmoon Bay, Horseshoe, Thule and Golden Bays. Principal industries include fishing and tourism.

The remote nature of much of Stewart Island's 1683 square kilometres attracts a large number of visitors, keen to tramp some of the 280km of walking tracks, hunt or enjoy the crystal clear coastal waters.

One of the major highlights of Stewart Island is the large number of offshore islands and rock stacks - approx. 170. Several of these, such as Ulva and codfish Islands, are pest-free or could be made pest-free.

Approximately 93% of Stewart Island, including small surrounding islands, is administered by the Department of Conservation's Southland Conservancy.

While there is unlimited access to much of the land administered by DOC, permits are required to visit the Tin Range Nature Reserve area in an effort to minimise visitor impacts on sensitive plants and wildlife. For more information on accessing nature reserves, contact the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre on Stewart Island.

For further reading: Classic Walks of New Zealand contains a chapter on the North-West Circuit of Stewart Island.