Fodor's Expert Review Rakiura National Park

Let 265 km (164 miles) of trail unfurl at your feet into pure wilderness when you enter Rakiura National Park: the rest of the world is indeed far removed. Even the most adventurous travelers are liable to experience a growing feeling of utter isolation as they go about exploring the lush, bush-clad hills, sand dunes, unspoiled inlets, and beaches strewn with driftwood. Since spring 2002, about 85% of Stewart Island has been designated as the national park. Memorable hikes include the three-day Rakiura Track and the challenging 11-day Northern Circuit. A popular adventure is taking a water taxi to the trailhead at Freshwater Creek, on the east side of the island, and walking across to the West Coast's amazing Mason Bay Beach, where you can arrange to have a plane pick you up. It takes close to three hours to walk to the end of the beach; along the way you'll find one of the best places to spot a few of the island's 20,000 kiwi birds. They especially come out in late evening.