27 Dec 2018

Stewart Island's tourist boom

From Summer Times, 8:40 am on 27 December 2018

Rakiura/Stewart Island is only just coping with the influx of international and New Zealand tourists, and another record breaking summer is anticipated.

With only an estimated 600 visitor beds and restricted facilities, what does the future hold for this unique island that's 85% National Park? And are tourist expectations of seeing kiwi, one of Rakiura's biggest attractions, putting the iconic bird under too much pressure? Lynn Freeman joined the throng of tourists as the summer season got underway.