Untouched paradise needs helping hand
As part of our new Back Your Backyard coverage, Brook Sabin finds half of Stewart Island’s economy comes from foreign tourists, and it needs our help.
New Zealand’s third largest island is right at the bottom of the South Island. A place where the extremities rule: the weather gods can throw a tempestuous tantrum followed by blue skies – all in the space of a few hours.
A place where the towering ancient rainforest hides some of our smallest and most precious creatures, including the highest concentration of kiwis anywhere on Earth. It’s a place most of us dream of going – New Zealand’s last frontier – but few of us ever make it there.
The most heartwarming fact about Stewart Island is one that gets me excited: there are 33 times more kiwis (the bird) than Kiwis (the people) on the island. You even hear stories of fishermen patting them on the beach.
Half of Stewart Island’s tourist income is foreign, so the island needs our help right now.
Getting there
Flying to Stewart Island is a beautiful way to see its size and dreamy turquoise bays. It’s a 20-minute trip from Invercargill Airport. Adults are $130 oneway or $220 return.
Alternatively, you can take an hourlong shuttle from Invercargill Airport to Bluff and a further hour-long ferry crossing – all for $112 one-way. Warning: The ferry crossing can be rough.
Air New Zealand will get travellers to Invercargill from any of its ports, with direct flights from Auckland.
Staying there
You can’t miss staying at the South Seas Hotel – it’s the bustling hub of the island. Prices start at about $90 a night.
Playing there
Rakiura Charters offer an affordable way of getting to Ulva Island through its water taxi service. If you’re short on time, it also offers day hikes of the Rakiura Track by dropping you at Port William for the three-hour return walk. See: rakiuracharters.co.nz
We highly recommend Phil’s Kayaks Stewart Island, especially his sunset tour. He can be contacted on: philskayak@observationlodge.co.nz
The Wild Kiwi Experience is best if you have no luck finding a kiwi yourself. Prices start from $199 per adult and include a return ferry trip, a two-hour guided walk, and tea, coffee and biscuits on the boat on the way home. There’s a 25 per cent refund if you don’t see a kiwi. See: stewartislandexperience.co.nz