Stewart Island’s rich human heritage dates back to the 13th Century when Maori referred to the Island as Te Punga o te Waka a Maui (the anchor of Maui’s canoe) or Rakiura (land of the glowing skies). Maori visited seasonally, attracted by the delicious titi – the chick of the sooty shearwater.
Captain Cook was the first European to sight the Island in 1770, but they considered it a part of the South Island, so they named it South Cape. In the 1800s, Europeans arrived to exploit the booming seal and whale industries.
Fishing has always provided a source of income for permanent residents, and today, the blue cod and crayfish industries support the island along with farmed salmon and mussels.
Much of the Island has been long set aside as nature reserves, so farming and clear-felling forestry have not destroyed the native forests. Now, 80% of the Island is protected as Rakiura National Park.
A small tourism industry has slowly grown over the last 100 years – the Island is a haven for visitors who love its slow pace and connection with nature.
