Queenstown and Milford Sound have long been unmissable destinations for South Island tourists. Although The Catlins has become better known, too many travellers skip through and largely ignore the rest of Southland in the rush to the Milford Highway. It’s a shame, as there’s so much to see in the most southern parts of New Zealand – including today’s topic, Rakiura, Stewart Island. Rakiura is probably the closest to what New Zealand was like pre settlement, without completely leaving civilisation behind. If you’re after a trip with few humans, plenty of bird life and lush native bush walks, you can’t do much better than this. However, keep in mind that though the weather is mild, it is changeable. Be prepared for rain!
Special thanks to @travelsfromedensor and Melanie Tollemache for their photos.
Travelling to Rakiura, Stewart Island
To reach Rakiura most people take a boat from Bluff to Oban (Halfmoon Bay). The boat trip takes an hour and it can be a rough and choppy ride. We recommend gingernut biscuits or ginger tea to calm your stomach. The other option is to take a small plane from Invercargill airport and, on a clear day, the views of the islands are pretty incredible.
Oban (Halfmoon Bay)
Oban, the largest human settlement on Rakiura, Steward Island, is a small, rustic town which was once just a fishing village. These days, the fishing industry is as much about tourism as it is about making a catch, so don’t pass up the opportunity to go out on one of the boats. Oban is surrounded by bush and bird life, and you can easily get around by foot.
Bird life
Rakiura, Stewart Island is famous for its bird life. While you’re likely to see natives like kaka (large, rare forest parrots), weka, kereru and koromiko (bellbirds) simply by in Oban, there are places further afield where you can see more.
The Ulva Island sanctuary is just a short boat trip from Golden Bay and is only a km or so walk from the ferry building. It is the place to be for land bird sightings, including saddlebacks, yellowheads, robins, kiwi, native parakeets and rifleman. If you’re looking to spot a kiwi, travel to Mason Bay for the chance to see one during the day. Or go to the local airfield at night (more info below under ‘walks and hikes’).
Fishing with the albatross
If you’re interested in getting up close with some sea birds (and don’t have a problem with sea sickness), a ride on a tourist fishing boat is the way to go. Albatross gather by the boats, eager to take part in the action and you’ll probably catch a stack of fresh blue cod.
Short walks and multi-day hikes
Hiking is one of the main attractions of Rakiura, Stewart Island and there are a number of moderate options accessible from Oban. One of these is the Rakiura Great Walk and while the full circuit takes three days, you can do the first section as a day walk.
Depending on the season, another option is to travel via water taxi or plane to Mason Bay where you could catch a glimpse of kiwis in the daytime. Finally, for the truly tough, there’s the infamous nine to eleven day tramp around the north west of the island. Prepare for rain… and thigh-high mud.
Looking for more South Island trip ideas?
Check out our recent posts of The Catlins, Central Otago and Wanaka!