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Off the southern coast of New Zealand's South Island rests a scenic plot of land that very few locals have ever ventured to. Stewart Island, also referred to as Rakiura, is a great place to visit, but has also been a treasured home to Maori people since the 13th century.
At the time, the island was rich in native flora and fauna such as the Sooty Shearwater bird, as well as an abundance of marine life that provided a successful harvest for the Maori community. When you take a medical job in New Zealand, you can take a short ferry ride to the island and discover the reason why some Maori people have never left.
With a population of only 390 people, Stewart Island makes you feel like you're the only person roaming the beautiful land. Whether you're looking for a cultural experience or an adventure outdoors, the island has a number of opportunities for you to get to know the tiny community better. At the Rakiura Museum, you can learn about the ancient practices that helped the island thrive during the 1200s, such as whaling, muttonbirding, mining and fishing. Afterward, you can browse the impressive selection of shells and crustaceans before heading out to the shoreline to find some sea treasures of your own.