Ruapuke Island is one of the southernmost islands in New Zealand's main chain of islands. It lies 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) to the southeast of Bluff and 32 kilometres (20 mi) northeast of Oban on Stewart Island/Rakiura. It was named "Bench Island" upon its European discovery by Captain James Cook in 1770, but has rarely been known by any other name than its Māori name, which means "two hills". The island covers an area of about 16 km² (6 sq mi).