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| sunrise on Stewart Island |
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| 19th century painting of Stewart Island by Christopher Aubrey |
Stewart Island is the smallest and southern-most island of New Zealand. So it is still a pacific Island, but not hte tropical kind.
Stewart Island isn’t very big, though and has less than 400 permanent residents, who mainly support themselves through fishing, aquaculture, tourism and conservation.
History
The orginal Maori names of Stewart Island is Te Punga o Te Waka a Maui, "The Anchor Stone of Maui's Canoe", and is a reference to Maui fishing up the rest of New Zealand. If you read my earlier stories, Maui did a lot of fishing. The South Island was his canoe, from which he fished up the North Island, so it makes sense that his boat was anchored. The island also has another commonly used name – Rakiura, reflecting the glowing sunrises, sunsets and the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). There’s an interesting Maori legend about it, if you want to learn more.
In 1809 the 'Pegasus', with first officer William Stewart sailed from Port Jackson, Australia, on a sealing expedition. While the boat was in the large south eastern harbour (now'Pegasus Bay), William Stewart began charting the southern coasts. His work was acknowledged by the naming of the island.
History
The orginal Maori names of Stewart Island is Te Punga o Te Waka a Maui, "The Anchor Stone of Maui's Canoe", and is a reference to Maui fishing up the rest of New Zealand. If you read my earlier stories, Maui did a lot of fishing. The South Island was his canoe, from which he fished up the North Island, so it makes sense that his boat was anchored. The island also has another commonly used name – Rakiura, reflecting the glowing sunrises, sunsets and the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights). There’s an interesting Maori legend about it, if you want to learn more.
In 1809 the 'Pegasus', with first officer William Stewart sailed from Port Jackson, Australia, on a sealing expedition. While the boat was in the large south eastern harbour (now'Pegasus Bay), William Stewart began charting the southern coasts. His work was acknowledged by the naming of the island.
Things to Do
Fantastic hiking, trekking, rock climbing. Over 85% of the island is a National Park and most people come here for the hiking and birdwatching. The island has just 28km of road, but 280km of walking tracks suited to short waks, day walks and multi-day hikes. Walk the three-day Raikura Track and you will get the full experience of Stewart Island’s wild beauty.
Hunting
Fishing, diving. Wet suits always, it’s cold water from the Arctic Ocean
Kayaking
Guided walks and tours, museum and library visits.
Bird watching. Bird watchers come from all over the world to see the birds on Ulva Island.
Watch the Stewart Island brown kiwi (birds, and maybe people!) fossicking on the beach at sunset, or weka, kapapo and sea lions.
Check out the old tin mines and workings
Sea food to die for: Oysters, Blue Cod, Crayfish, mussels, salmon
Restaurants source local produce or grow their own, but either way, you will love the food, with a freshness you won’t find anywhere else. Observation Rock Lodge really appeals. Their “moveable feast” looks superb. They will deliver to your accommodation – or, if you prefer, you can stay there and just walk to the restaurant!
How to get there
Fantastic hiking, trekking, rock climbing. Over 85% of the island is a National Park and most people come here for the hiking and birdwatching. The island has just 28km of road, but 280km of walking tracks suited to short waks, day walks and multi-day hikes. Walk the three-day Raikura Track and you will get the full experience of Stewart Island’s wild beauty.
Hunting
Fishing, diving. Wet suits always, it’s cold water from the Arctic Ocean
Kayaking
Guided walks and tours, museum and library visits.
Bird watching. Bird watchers come from all over the world to see the birds on Ulva Island.
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| Stewart Island Brown Kiwi |
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| Kakapo chicks |
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| Weka |
Watch the Stewart Island brown kiwi (birds, and maybe people!) fossicking on the beach at sunset, or weka, kapapo and sea lions.
Check out the old tin mines and workings
See the Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights.The best months are usually July and August although that is not always the case.Food
Sea food to die for: Oysters, Blue Cod, Crayfish, mussels, salmon
Restaurants source local produce or grow their own, but either way, you will love the food, with a freshness you won’t find anywhere else. Observation Rock Lodge really appeals. Their “moveable feast” looks superb. They will deliver to your accommodation – or, if you prefer, you can stay there and just walk to the restaurant!
How to get there
Fly from Invercargill Stewart Island Flights Stewart Island Flights
or catch the one hourStewart Island Ferry Ferry from Bluff across the Foveaux Strait.
ferry coming into Oban
Or come as part of a cruise. The big cruise ships call in regularly between October and April. Cruise NZ has more information.
Where to stay
There are five hotels, B&B’s, Motels, or try Holiday Houses - self catering holiday homes, houses, baches, beach houses, apartments, and cabins.
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