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New Zealand
> Southland > Stewart Island
Whether you are a
New Zealander or from another country, you will
enjoy the magical atmosphere of Stewart Island. The
people who live there do so because they value the
special qualities of the island; clear clean waters,
lush rainforest, the at times 'bracing
climate' and a very
relaxed lifestyle.
You may come to
enjoy the land and seascapes, see the rare
indigenous kiwi
(a nocturnal flightless bird about the size of a
chicken and a very long bill), fish, dive or just
relax, A Stewart Island holiday will provide
experiences to keep you coming back for more.
The Islanders are
intrepid Southerners, quick to welcome visitors with
warm hospitality. Their friendliness and commitment
to good service has been recognised as one of the
islands assets and anyone who stays a few days will
begin to feel they are a part of the community.
Across
Foveaux Strait from Bluff, Stewart Island is one of
New Zealand's best kept secrets. The only township
of Oban is on the shore of Halfmoon Bay and most of the island
is uninhabited with a dense cover
of rain forest, sand dunes and wetlands. The 750 kilometres of indented
coastline has many sheltered bays and beaches with
numerous off-shore islets. Mt Anglem at 980 metres
is the highest point on Stewart Island.
New Zealand's third island is roughly triangular in
shape being 65 kilometres long and 40 kilometres at
it's widest. A total of 172,000 hectares, 425,000
acres or 1683 square kilometres, about the size of
Singapore or Fiji. This virtually undiscovered
paradise is easily accessible by ferries (62 or 100
passengers), one hour from the Port of Bluff, or by
planes (9 passenger), a 20 min flight from
Invercargill Airport.
It is recommended you make bookings for transport,
kiwi spotting tours and accommodation. Foreign
travellers cheques and currency can be difficult to
change as there is no bank. Most businesses accept
credit cards, but it is very important to have cash,
and EFTPOS is available at most places for cash and
services.
Accommodation
Every taste is catered for, from a top of
the market lodge, country style hotel with 9 studio
units, a budget priced complex, bed and breakfasts,
self catering houses, motel units, backpackers and a
camping ground. Booking in advance is essential over
summer.
Most of the
information in these pages has been supplied by The
Stewart Island Visitor Information Network
PO. Box 3
Stewart Island
New Zealand
Email
stewartislandfc@doc.govt.nz
Phone + 64 3 219 1049. Fax +64 3 219 1555
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