DIRECTORY
Stewart Island
Get off the beaten track! Stewart Island is a unique destination offering pristine wilderness and abundant native wildlife. Visit the historic South Sea Hotel and share a beer with the local characters.
Main Centres
Halfmoon Bay – Stewart Island’s main settlement.
Did you know?
- Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island is New Zealand’s newest National Park.
- On Stewart Island you can see wild Kiwis foraging on the beach at night.
- Stewart Island has 240 kilometres of walking tracks.
- The original Maori name for Stewart Island is Te Punga o Te Waka a Maui. Translated as ‘The Anchor Stone of Maui’s Canoe’, it refers to the legend of Maui who is said to have fished up the North Island from his canoe (the South Island).
- Rakiura is the more commonly used Maori name for the island – this translates as ‘glowing skies’, probably a reference to the magical sunsets.
Snap It
This part of the world is wildlife central! Catch some of the local characters on camera – a zoom lens will help you get the perfect image.
Getting There
Though it is isolated, Stewart Island is not difficult to get to. Take a 30-minute flight or 1-hour boat trip from Invercargill.
Where to Stay
Stewart Island Lodge (14 Nichol Rd, t +64 3 219 1085) – is a a luxury lodge with fantastic views over Halfmoon Bay.
Bay Motel (9 Dundee St, t +64 3 219 1119) – new motel complex overlooking Halfmoon Bay.
Sails Ashore (11 View St, t +64 3 219 1151) – boutique bed and breakfast with excellent facilities.
Eating Out
Church Hill Café (36 Kamahi Rd, Halfmoon Bay, t +64 3 219 1323).
Where to Drink
South Sea Hotel (Elgin Tce, t +64 3 219 1059).
Something to take home ...
Rakiura Glowing Sky (Halfmoon Bay, t +64 3 219 1249).
The Fernery (t +64 3 219 1453).
Further Information
Stewart Island Visitor Centre (Main Rd, t +64 3 219 0009).