Skip to main content
Escape gallery image 1

Rakiura Cabins

Escape badge

Rakiura Cabins

Rakiura, 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.

Escape gallery image 17 Escape gallery image 2 Escape gallery image 3 Escape gallery image 4 Escape gallery image 5 Escape gallery image 6 Escape gallery image 7 Escape gallery image 8 Escape gallery image 9 Escape gallery image 10 Escape gallery image 11 Escape gallery image 12 Escape gallery image 13 Escape gallery image 14 Escape gallery image 15 Escape gallery image 16 Escape gallery image 17 Escape gallery image 2
Eating and drinking near Escape

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 near Escape

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 at Escape

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

“ Nice relaxing spot, very quiet and peaceful. ”

Simon Rabbidge- 2025-07-07

20 / 20

“ I would rate this 13 out of 10! Awesome, private and pristine. ”

Scott Searle- 2026-05-17

1 / 20

“ The location was great, secluded yet a short thirty minute walk to town. The local beautiful whitetail deer can be seen up close and personal roaming around the area. The hot tub was great, especially in a stormy weather spell. Host was wonderful too. Oscar, hosts dog, greeted us with his latest efforts helping with pest control and protecting the abundant birdlife. Recommend experiencing this piece of paradise. ”

Rachael Clarke- 2026-05-11

2 / 20

“ Gorgeous hideaway with a peaceful and tranquil setting. Beautifully decorated, cosy, comfortable and well equipped with a little wood burner for the chilly evenings. The perfect spot to access beautiful walks, just a half hour stroll through the bush to Oban. Loved every minute. ”

Sarah Rossiter- 2026-04-24

3 / 20

“ We had special requirements for our stay and Abigail was wonderful and provided what we required. Many thanks. ”

Phill Hunt- 2026-04-02

4 / 20

“ Great place. ”

Amnon Matarasso- 2026-03-12

5 / 20

“ Great setting and atmosphere, excellent facilities, very clean, lovely host. Totally recommend staying. ”

Dianne Capes- 2026-03-12

6 / 20

“ Great experience in an extraordinary place! ”

Dana Kern- 2026-02-24

7 / 20

“ Very well appointed, they have thought of everything including a cocktail shaker! Love the thought and effort that has gone into interior design. Location was great, we hired a car as had packs/tent from walking the track and time constraints. Very private. Only wish we could have spent more time there. ”

Hannah Bunny- 2026-02-14

8 / 20

“ Great interior style, lovely quiet setting with kaka vists on the deck! ”

Kirsten Rabe- 2026-01-19

9 / 20

“ Beautiful location, very peaceful, lovely cabin. ”

Samantha McMahon- 2026-01-05

10 / 20

“ Excellent cabin in the forest with a short walk to the superb beach. Many birds, deer and sea lions nearby. Abigail was a fantastic host. ”

Matthew Stevens- 2025-11-21

11 / 20

“ Wonderful peaceful stay in a comfy, well equipped cabin tucked in the bush surrounded by birdlife and close to the beach. ”

Sarah Allen- 2025-11-17

12 / 20

“ This was the perfect stay for our honeymoon, super cute and romantic cabin. We loved this stay. ”

Katelyn Irwin- 2025-10-14

13 / 20

“ We loved our two-night stay at Kakariki Cabin celebrating a milestone birthday. Everything was absolutely perfect. The cabin is well-appointed with all the mod cons, tastefully decorated, warm and comfortable. Surrounded by native bush, it was a very private and peaceful getaway. Ngā mihi nui for having us. ”

Tineke McNeil- 2025-09-04

14 / 20

“ The cabin truly was a unique glamping experience. The highlight was seeing Kākā up close! It was a fabulous place to relax, enjoy nature and have some peace and quiet. ”

Michelle Anderson- 2025-08-11

15 / 20

“ A fantastic experience, very responsive, well organised and helpful host. ”

Richard Le Masurier- 2025-07-24

16 / 20

“ Cosy comfy escape. ”

Michael Taylor- 2025-07-15

17 / 20

“ The cabin and the host were amazing. We heard Kiwi’s calling at dusk and dawn around the cabin. The rental car was a great option. ”

joseph mcgehan- 2025-07-10

18 / 20

“ We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. It was the perfect getaway from our busy lives and just what we needed. The location was great, almost feeling like going to a different country, and we especially liked sitting in the hot tub while it was cold outside, listening to all the birds. Unfortunately, there was a lot of cloud so we didn't get the full night sky experience, but for a moment it did clear up and was amazing to see. The host Abi was great at communication, letting us check in and even delivered the car to the ferry terminal so it was waiting for us when we arrived. The cabin was brand new, warm and very clean. It had everything you needed but was only a short drive to the local for some good tucker. Would definitely come back again. ”

Brodie Marchant- 2025-07-08

19 / 20

“ Nice relaxing spot, very quiet and peaceful. ”

Simon Rabbidge- 2025-07-07

20 / 20

“ I would rate this 13 out of 10! Awesome, private and pristine. ”

Scott Searle- 2026-05-17

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

BROWSE OUR COLLECTION

Relax. Unplug. Savour a unique holiday experience. A secret weekend escape.

A family holiday.

Whatever the reason, let nature back in – go glamping!

Find your escape