Rakiura Cabins

Rakiura Cabins

Rakiura/Stewart Island, Rakiura/Stewart Island

Rakiura/Stewart Island is a 20-minute flight from Invercargill, or a 1-hour ferry ride from Bluff.

Rakiura Cabins consist of two identical cabins, Kakariki Cabin and Kororā Cabin, each tucked away privately amongst the lush bush and under the clearest night skies. They are a private sanctuary, completely hidden away from the world.

The stylish, off-grid cabins have minor decor differences, but both are beautifully furnished. Complete with a luxurious king-sized bed, ensuite, and fully-equipped kitchen - every comfort has been considered. Kakariki Cabin also has an outdoor hot tub set amongst the greenery - ideal for stargazing at night. 

Go to sleep to the sound of kiwi calling from the bush right outside your cabin - and wake to a dawn chorus like no other. Stewart Island is alive with native birds. You'll likely see kaka, kakariki, tui, bellbird, kiwi, tomtit, fantail, wood pigeon, and other birds during your stay. If you feel like exploring the island, there’s plenty to do, including many of the local beach and bush walks.

Rakiura Cabins is premium Stewart Island accommodation in a pristine part of beautiful Aotearoa.

FROM $390

  • Sleeps 2
address
 

42 Deep Bay Road, Stewart Island 9818

You will receive a pre-arrival email with detailed arrival instructions and your host's details 5-days prior to your stay.

Note: If you have booked within 5 days and haven't received a pre-arrival email shortly after booking, please email us at [email protected].

Travelling to Rakiura/Stewart Island and Rakiura Cabins:
 

You can get to Rakiura/Stewart Island either by air or sea. It's a 20-minute flight from Invercargill, or a 1-hour ferry ride from Bluff. Helicopter flights can be booked directly here and ferries can be booked here.

Stewart Island Rentals provide car hire for Rakiura/Stewart Island or taxi transfers are available. 

Directions to Rakiura Cabins:

  • Follow Elgin Terrace along the southern side of Halfmoon Bay.
  • At Lonnekers Beach, turn right up Wohlers Road and continue to Deep Bay - the road changes name to Deep Bay Road.
  • Continue past Ringaringa Heights Golf Course (on your left) and the "Road Closed Residents Only sign". Turn right down Ringaringa Road.
  • At the first corner, where the road turns left between two houses, take a right and follow the entrance into the bush - look out for the signage at the edge of the property.
  • Continue along the driveway until you reach the cabin - here you will see the second sign.
Weather-related travel issues
 

On rare occasions, the passenger ferry and/or flights will be cancelled due to weather and/or mechanical issues. 

Often an alternative transport (flight/ferry) can be accommodated by the provider. 

In very rare cases, where no transport is available to the mainland and where there is a) no subsequent booking OR b) the incoming guests have been prevented from arriving, guests have the option of:

1. staying a further night at the cabin (if available), at a cost of $350/night; or 

2. seeking alternative accommodation.   

Rakiura Cabins

What time is check-in and check-out?

Can I drop my bags off before my stay?

Are both cabins the same?

What are the bed and bedding arrangements?

What are the kitchen and cooking facilities?

What are the bathroom facilities?

Is there power?

Is there mobile phone reception or Wifi?

What sort of heating is there?

Can I have an outdoor fire?

CAN CHILDREN STAY AT Rakiura Cabins?

Can I bring my dog?

How private and remote are Rakiura Cabins

What is the access like and where do I park my car?

What do i need to bring?

Are there any safety considerations?

Can I book for one night only?

Minimum stay periods

Rates

Portacot Hire

Car hire

Gift Vouchers

1. Introduction

2. booking and payments

3. Guest cancellations and date changes

4. Host Cancellations

5. safety and hazards

6. pets

7. Activities

8. GST

9. conditions of occupancy and conduct

10. Complaints

11. Liability

12. Gift vouchers

13. Law

14. Changes to booking conditions

15. Authority to sign

  • Eating and Drinking

    Rakiura Cabins are self-catering. Just bring your own food and drink and cook meals using the gas hob and BBQ facilities in your kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

    If you fancy a meal out, there are a variety of options to choose from. Halfmoon Bay is only a 5-minute drive away (or a 25-minute walk!) Your hosts recommend South Sea Hotel Restaurant & Pub for dining. Kai Kart is great for takeaways and offers classic fish n' chips and burgers, with The Old Butchershop Cafe (seasonal) offering themed dinners and cafe food. The Snuggery café (hours change seasonally) is great for a hot coffee and homemade treats.

    The nearest store for stocking up on food and supplies is the local Four Square, a 5-minute drive or 25-minute walk (open 7:30 am - 7 pm).

  • Things to do

    Rakiura/Stewart Island has plenty to offer, or if you prefer to just relax, your cabin is the perfect place to just 'be'.

    A rental car can be booked for $80/night and is made available for collection in the village, typically when you arrive (at the flight depot or ferry terminal). Simply get in the car and explore, then drop it back in a similar spot prior to departure.

    The cabins have a range of books and simple board games. One of the cabins has a outdoor wood-fired hot tub for soaking under the stars (if you're keen on the hot tub you'll be able to select this cabin when you book online).

    If you’re staying in the summer, grab your togs and beach towel and head to one of the gorgeous beaches, Halfmoon Bay, Lonnekers, Braggs Bay, or Butterfields Beach. In the winter, cosy up around a beach campfire, enjoy a sunset walk or try to catch the aurora australis.

    You can also check out the fishing spots, local museum or the Department of Conservation - Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre. There are plenty of long and short walks in the vicinity. A day trip to Ulva Island is also highly recommended!

  • Your hosts

    Your hosts at Rakiura Cabins are Abigail and Douglas, along with their baby Angus and Oscar the dog.

    Abigail is a scientist, and operates her own consultancy, focusing on hydrogeology, hydrology and project management. Douglas is an engineer and a licensed builder.

    Abigail and Douglas first purchased the bush-clad property as a place to escape.

    The initial plan was to create a series of DOC-style huts on the property, but after discovering ‘glamping’ five years ago, they decided to go about creating the ultimate glamping cabins. They felt that the nature-based aspect of glamping was particularly suited to Stewart Island. Its beaches, abundance of bird life and nature, make it the ideal place to disconnect and explore.

    The Maori name for the island is Rakiura which means "land of the glowing skies". This was the inspiration for the name, 'Rakiura Cabins'. 

Testimonials

  • "

    Pure magic.

    "

    Val Farrow - 26 Mar 2025

    1 / 12

  • "

    The choice of accommodation was chosen by our family as a gift. They chose perfectly, knowing we'd love the bush and the birdlife, especially. All necessary amenities were available, and the space was fit for purpose. A rental car was also offered, which gave us a great opportunity to explore. We would easily return to Kakariki Cabins on Stewart Island.

    "

    Ginny - 08 Mar 2025

    2 / 12

  • "

    Beautiful setting, excellent accommodations, warm and friendly host, and loved the hot tub.

    "

    Linda Austin - 09 Mar 2025

    3 / 12

  • "

    We had such a nice stay! The location was beautiful, set in the trees, and we saw so much birdlife - we even saw a kiwi during the night, just a short 5-minute walk away! Would definitely recommend.

    "

    Danielle Aldersley - 14 Jan 2025

    4 / 12

  • "

    We absolutely loved our stay at Rakiura Cabin, surrounded by bush and having daily visits from wood pigeons and tūī. The comfy bed was perfect, and we especially enjoyed relaxing in the hot tub.

    "

    Rachel Mugg - 13 Jan 2025

    5 / 12

  • "

    Everything was perfect! The accommodation was so beautiful and tranquil and provided everything we needed. Loved the window seat and the visit from a Kākā. Wish we could have stayed longer.

    "

    Anika Maddalena - 09 Jan 2025

    6 / 12

  • "

    This is a must-see destination. We truly felt like we were on another island (ironic?), the accommodation was beautiful, cosy, and peaceful. Location-wise, it was only a maximum 30-minute walk to Oban and less for some of the smaller walks. We decided to add a car to our booking and found this really useful to cover even more of the island over our brief stay of two nights. We’d love to come back with more time to do more of the stunning walks. Our hosts were lovely, friendly, and exceptionally clever—knowing the build story only added to our experience.

    "

    Kimberley Mclachlan - 11 Dec 2024

    7 / 12

  • "

    It’s an absolutely stunning cabin – sparklingly clean and beautifully arranged inside, with nature right outside the huge windows and deck. Even in the pouring rain, it was delightful to watch the birds flit from tree to tree while we stayed cosy inside. A gem of a place!

    "

    Lauren H - 23 Nov 2024

    8 / 12

  • "

    Abigail was a fantastic host with quick communication! The location is beautiful, set amongst nature, making it a great place to get away. We enjoyed not having much service on our phones to fully disconnect for a couple of days. The hot tub was perfect too; it was easy to get up to temperature and a really nice way to end the day. We would love to stay again.

    "

    Briar Pearce - 29 Oct 2024

    9 / 12

  • "

    We really enjoyed the peaceful environment amongst the bush and birdsong. The hot tub was so nice too. Wonderful stay on a wonderful island. Thanks so much.

    "

    Matt Halstead - 09 Oct 2024

    10 / 12

  • "

    Amazing setting right in the bush, with tui flocking on the NZ fuchsia trees and kiwi calling. Soaking in the hot tub after exploring the island's walks was perfect. The bed was comfortable, and the cabin was beautifully designed and styled. The hosts were generous. We stayed for four nights but didn't want to leave!

    "

    Liz Harpelton - 20 Sep 2024

    11 / 12

  • "

    Brilliant stay, very relaxing and peaceful. Would recommend 10/10.

    "

    Kieran Chan - 27 Jul 2024

    12 / 12

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