What to expect on Stewart Island

Far from the madding crowd, Stewart Island is a serene ecological wonderland spiced with the promise of adventure. In Māori legend, Stewart Island is the anchor of Maui’s canoe (the South Island) from which he fished the North Island out of the sea.

This is what you can expect to find...

1. WILD FERRY RIDES The Foveaux Strait is famed for its rough sea and if you’re visiting Stewart Island, you’re crossing it! Catch the ferry from Bluff and take some gold coins for the cash bar. Alternatively, opt for the 20-minute flight from Invercargill.

2. UNINHABITED WILDERNESS Over eighty percent of the island is protected national park so you have a real chance at seeing wild kiwi here. N.B. Kiwi are most active at dusk or just before sunrise.

3. OBAN The island’s only township and where the ferry docks. Nip into the pub for fresh oysters, salmon or blue cod: caught that morning. Oban Visitor Centre (next to the ferry terminal) organises car and bike rentals.

PERFECTLY REMOTE, THERE ARE NO BANKS ON STEWART ISLAND, BUT THERE IS AN ATM AT THE FOUR SQUARE SUPERMARKET IN OBAN.

4. RAKIURA TRACK is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Spend two to three days surrounded by beach, birds and bush.

5. 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.

6. SWIMMING With 700km of coastline, Stewart Island is saturated in beautiful beaches. Head to the aptly named Bathing Beach, a mere sixminute walk from Oban, for sheltered swimming.

7. ULVA ISLAND As one of New Zealand’s predator-free sanctuaries, the flora and fauna is sensational. Arrive here by boat from Halfmoon Bay or Golden Bay and pick up a selfguided walking and bird species book from the shelter.

Half Moon Bay, Stewart Island © Southland Tourism

TOP TIP: BLUFF IS THE GATEWAY TO STEWART ISLAND BUT BEFORE YOU GO, CLIMB BLUFF HILL FOR VIEWS OF THE ISLAND FROM AFAR. AND THROW A WORLD-FAMOUS BLUFF OYSTER DOWN YOUR THROAT. ONE IS NEVER ENOUGH.

Bluff oysters © Miles Holden

Main Image: Ulva Island © Real Journeys