3 minute read
Stewart Island Must-Do's
Oban
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Oban, Stewart Island © Getty Images
This is where the ferry docks. Oban Visitor Centre (next to the ferry terminal) organises car and bike rentals and you should nip into the pub for fresh oysters, salmon or blue cod, caught that day.
Bathing Beach
With 700km of coastline, Stewart Island is saturated in beautiful beaches but this one is especially convenient if you’re in Oban. A six-minute walk away, it’s great for sheltered swimming.
The Rakiura Track
One of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Spend two to three days surrounded by beach, birds and bush, navigating 32km of remote terrain largely untouched by the humankind.
Wild Kiwi
Over 80% of the island is protected national park, allowing native kiwi to flourish. Most active at dawn and dusk, if you’re using a headlamp, set it to red so it’s less startling.
Wild Kiwi Encounter
As dusk falls, depart by catamaran from Halfmoon Bay and sail across Paterson Inlet to Little Glory Cove. After a 45-minute guided walk, arrive at the beach to find Southern brown kiwi feeding at night.
Kakariki / parakeet © Adobe Stock
The Southern Lights
Rakiura is the island’s Māori name and means ‘glowing skies’ in reference to the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) which smear the sky between April and September. Observation Rock is a popular lookout spot for witnessing this mesmerising light display.
Ulva Island
As one of New Zealand’s predator-free sanctuaries, the flora and fauna is sensational. Arrive by boat from Halfmoon Bay or Golden Bay and pick up a self-guided walking and bird species book from the shelter.
Dark Sky Sanctuary
As the southern-most Dark Sky Sanctuary on the planet, come nightfall you can get superb visibility of both Magellanic Clouds (two dwarf galaxies). Lack of urban development equals almost zero light pollution, allowing for a year-round spectacular night’s sky.
The Bunkhouse Theatre
For a bit of fun, drop in and watch the daily 40-minute film about Stewart Island called A Local’s Tail. It’s detailed through the eyes of Lola the dog.
Rakiura Jade
Master carver, Dave Goodin’s workshop boasts fabulous views over the bay and it’s from here where you can carve your own piece of jade under his guidance.
Sunset Cruise
Jump aboard the Ranui, a dinky wee boat that whisks passengers across the water. Bathed in a sunset glow, view the flora and fauna of Paterson Inlet at the prettiest time of day.
Rakiura Museum
Delve into the island’s earliest memories at this small and modern museum. From early Māori settlement to timber milling and boat building, you’ll get a fascinating insight into what shaped Rakiura.
Guided Kayak Tours
Get even closer to nature by kayaking the island’s pristine waters. Between the bays and beaches there’s a wealth of marine mammals and cool curiosities such as sea cucumbers.
Moturau Moana Native Gardens
Home to an impressive assortment of native plants, this 13.7ha park is part botanic garden and partly left to its own devices (Mother Nature’s devices that is). With sparkling views over Halfmoon Bay, stay for 10 minutes or two hours.
Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island © Adobe Stock
