Rakiura is the youngest of all National Parks. It was established in 2002 and covers an area of about 160,000 ha which is equal to about 85% of Stewart Island. As the southernmost National Park, it is mainly based on granite and gneiss which includes old rocks that are fragments of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana.
Stewart Island is situated 30 km south of the South Island. It is the only national park that is isolated on an island. Rakiura may translate to "a land of glowing sky" since Stewart Island offers perfect conditions to view the famous Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) during the winter months.
Due to its isolation, Stewart Island is home to a great biodiversity and several rare species such as the kiwi or the kakapo. Rakiura also plays an important part in Maori mythology. Its modern history reaches back 200 years ago, when William Stewart anchored his ship in 1809.