Look out for kiwi on Rakiura

You’ve arrived on Rakiura/ Stewart Island, which is more than most Kiwis have done, so you’re already ahead.

You’ve done the bus tour and heard the inside story from a proud and friendly local.

Now it’s time to get hands-on with the place to explore for yourself the island’s 27 kilometres of road.

That’s too far to walk in one day and it’s pretty hilly, too, so the clear answer is to hire an ebike from the little green hut just along the road from the South Sea Hotel – look out for the two ponies grazing on the berm, the hire place is next door.

The bikes are easy to operate, full of power, and great fun to ride, especially humming up hills with just enough effort to make you feel virtuous, but not enough to raise a sweat.

The cheery hire people make sure you know what you’re doing, and you’re away in no time, feeling smug that you’re not paying for petrol there at $3 a litre.

Why go?

Because unless you’re there to do some serious tramping (this is also a great idea, Stewart Island is blessed with a wide choice of walks, from a five-minute stroll right up to the three-day Rakiura Track), this is the best, and easiest, way to get around to see what you can. You can hear the birds, smell the bush, stop wherever you want, and notice much more than you would using any other transport.

You’ll go from one end of Oban to the other, past houses quaint and impressive, along white and golden sand beaches, through bush and farmland, past kiwi warning signs, up and down hills and to short tracks leading to a historic stone cottage, an observation point, a modern sculpture and more.

Inside tip

The Stewart Island kiwi is often seen during the day, so keep your eyes peeled. Go carefully along the many unsealed roads.

You can fly to the island, if you don’t fancy the Foveaux Strait ferry.

On the way/nearby

In Oban, the museum has a lot of interesting stories to tell and, if the little Bunkhouse Theatre is open, The Local’s Tail short movie gives a fun angle on life there. You must visit the South Sea Hotel – the Sunday night pub quiz is a lively affair, and investigate the eateries around town. If you can, take a boat trip to Ulva Island to be wowed by the birds.

How much?

Prices start at $35 for an hour. The most popular hire is 31⁄2 hours – for $55. Longer rentals are available, as are child seats and a buggy.

Best time to go

Most of us prefer summer weather, it can get pretty elemental down there at other times.

Be prepared to share the island with many foreign tourists, who seem to be more adventurous than average Kiwis. stewartisland-electricbike-hire.co.nz