Oceania : New Zealand : Stewart Island

Stewart Island

Stewart Island [1] is the medium sized island of New Zealand - far smaller than the two main islands but far bigger than the other small islands. It is located 24 km to the south of the South Island, separated by Foveaux Strait.

Most of the island is covered in native forest and virtually the entire small population is concentrated in the township of Oban (also known as Halfmoon Bay) on the east coast. Commercial fishing is the main occupation for residents. The main attractions for visitors are hiking, birdwatching and deer hunting.

Travel to Stewart_Island, visa requirements

There is a daily one-hour ferry service from Bluff, near Invercargill, and a daily 20 minute plane flight from Invercargill Airport.

Get around

Walk, mostly. There are few roads and they are all around Halfmoon Bay. But the island is a hiker's wilderness paradise.
Bus tour
Taxi, rental cars and scooters

Stewart_Island attractions and sightseeing

In Oban there are a few attractions (museum, Department of Conservation Visitor Centre) and short walks. Ulva Island bird sanctuary.

City tours

Hiking - popular trails are the 36 km Rakiura Track which takes 3 days and the 125 km North-West Circuit which takes 7-12 days.
Birdwatching - Mason Bay, on the west coast, is possibly the best place in New Zealand (and therefore the world) to see the remarkable flightless kiwi in the wild.
Deer hunting
Sea kayaking
Diving