A popular walk on Rakiura/Stewart Island has been renamed in honour of the Platinum Jubilee for Queen Elizabeth II.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Friday the 58-metre track previously known as Observation Rock Track will formally be renamed.
"To honour Her Majesty’s long reign, the track to Observation Rock from the settlement of Oban, will be formally renamed the 'Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Path' and known as the ‘Platinum Path’ for short," Ardern said.
On a clear night, the track's viewing area is the perfect place to see the Southern Lights and the Prime Minister said it is on everyone's "must-do list".
The short track which follows through rata forest, will be signposted by the Department of Conservation (DoC) from the entrance off Excelsior Road, with longer-term signage down in Halfmoon Bay to also be changed to reflect the new name.
The birdlife, including native kiwi and kākā, have come back with vengeance since the Halfmoon Bay community has been doing pest control.
"Our environment is hugely important to New Zealanders so this name change is a fitting and heartfelt tribute," Ardern said.
The viewing area at Observation Rock is also being upgraded in a multi-agency and iwi project, with work due to start shortly for completion by early 2023.
"The Queen supports conservation initiatives, particularly sustainable planting, so to mark the Jubilee, we are also embarking on a national tree-planting project for 100,000 native trees across 14 native restoration projects around New Zealand," Ardern said.
"These plantings will improve existing projects and accelerate the rate of restoration and enhance carbon storage."
Rakiura/Stewart Island was designated as a Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2019 by the International Dark Sky Association to emphasise the outstanding natural nightscape with minimal light pollution levels.
The Platinum Path is the second project to mark the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s reign.
