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New Zealand
> Southland > Stewart Island
Activities
 The
island is a great place for tired travellers. The
peace and tranquillity found here is just what some
need but there is also plenty for those wanting to
be a bit more energetic. Whether the days are spent
wandering local tracks independently or with a
guide, fishing from rocks or a charter boat,
snorkelling, diving, or exploring the 20 kilometres
of road on a hired motor scooter, mountain bike or a
rental car. You can also charter a yacht, hire a sea
kayak, have a game of golf on the southernmost golf
course, have a scenic flight, take a bus tour, or
just enjoy chatting with the friendly locals. The
new Community Centre boasts conference facilities as
weft as a full sized stadium catering for a
multitude of sports. With daylight saving during the
summer months, the long twilight can be enjoyed, (8
hours of darkness and 16 hours of light). A holiday
on Stewart Island is one with a difference and
should certainly be experienced.
Charter boats and water taxis can be arranged for
sightseers, hunters, divers, trampers and those
wanting to catch their own fish. Visits can be
arranged to see the marine farms, Ulva Island and
other points of interest in Paterson Inlet. These
trips are a great opportunity to view various
seabirds, including yellow eyed and little blue
penguins, mollyhawks and also seals and dolphins. A
glass bottom boat gives the opportunity to view the
underwater world. Naturalist guides are available on
some boat trips. There is also an evening cruise to
go kiwi spotting. Advanced bookings are essential
for this tour.
Time spent at the Rakiura, Museum can be a rewarding
experience, as one discovers the island's
interesting past. Check opening hours before
planning your day. Whaling, sealing, tin mining,
timber milling and fishing were all industries of
years gone by. Stewart Island was named after
William. Stewart, the I st Officer on a sealing
vessel, 'Pegasus' that visited in 1809.
Fishermen catch rock lobster and blue cod, they dive
for paua, and salmon and mussels are farmed in a
sheltered bay in Paterson Inlet. These products are
processed at the two processing factories and mostly
exported to America and Asia. There is also a paua
(abalone) hatchery and another growing paua pearls.
Possums and deer, mainly whitetail with some red
deer, are the only introduced animals. The deer were
released here about 1905. Both are hunted and
captured. As DOC has eradicated rats from Ulva
Island it is very important that everyone ensures it
stays rat free, as this island is a wonderful
example of rainforest. Another project DOC is
involved with, is clearing Undaria from Big Glory
Bay in Paterson Inlet as this invasive seaweed was
recently introduced and threatens existing
underwater fife.
The Department of Conservation Visitor Centre
incorporates the Visitor Information Network and has
natural history displays showing the different areas
of Stewart Island. You can spend time in the audio
visual room enjoying videos on subjects relating to
Stewart Island. During the summer there is the
Department of Conservation's Summer Visitor Program
that has always been very popular. Trampers can come
here to purchase hut tickets, fill in the Intentions
Book, get track updates, watch a 4 minute video
about tramping on the island, hire maps and store
gear.
For further information contact the Visitor
Information Centre
Phone (64) 3 219 1218 or
Fax (64) 3 219 1555.
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