Rakiura National Park is a protected natural area encompassing approximately 85% of Stewart Island, New Zealand's third-largest island. Established in 2002, the park covers around 157,000 hectares, which includes vast tracts of native forest, wetlands, sand dunes, and a rugged coastline. The park's creation was a significant milestone in the nation's conservation efforts, aimed at preserving a largely unmodified ecosystem of high ecological value.

The name "Rakiura" is the Māori name for Stewart Island, commonly translated as "Glowing Skies," a reference to the spectacular aurora australis, or southern lights, frequently observed in the region. The park lies within the Southland Region and is situated approximately 30 kilometers south of the South Island, across the Foveaux Strait. The climate is cool, temperate, and maritime, characterized by high rainfall and frequent strong winds, which have shaped the island's distinctive vegetation.

The park's ecosystems are diverse and provide crucial habitat for numerous endemic and threatened species. It is a stronghold for native birdlife, including the iconic kākāpō (Strigops habroptila), the world's only flightless parrot, and the kiwi (Apteryx australis lawryi), specifically the Stewart Island tokoeka, a subspecies of the southern brown kiwi. The dense forests are dominated by podocarps such as rimu and miro, as well as southern rata and kamahi, forming a rich canopy that supports a complex understory of ferns, mosses, and orchids.

Rakiura National Park offers a range of outdoor recreational opportunities, with the Rakiura Track being one of New Zealand's ten official Great Walks. This 32-kilometer, three-day circuit provides access to sheltered coves, historical sites, and lush rainforest. For more experienced trampers, the challenging North West Circuit is a longer, more remote expedition around the northern coast of the island. The park is also renowned for its fishing, birdwatching, and opportunities to experience pristine wilderness with minimal human impact.

The human history of the area is integral to the park's identity. Stewart Island has a long history of Māori occupation, with evidence of seasonal settlements and resource gathering. Later European activities included sealing, whaling, timber milling, and fishing. The park's management incorporates this cultural heritage, alongside its primary goal of preserving natural landscapes and biodiversity for future generations. Access to the park is primarily via ferry or light aircraft from the town of Bluff on the South Island to the settlement of Oban on Stewart Island, which serves as the gateway for visitors.