After visiting the-catlins-in-new-zealand-, we went to Stewart Island, the southern and smallest island populated of New Zealand. From Bluff is about 30 Km. Even though this island is very close to Antarctica, the blue sea and the golden sand beach look more like a tropical paradise. During the summer, Stewart Island is a great destination for those who are seeking peace and adventure, as well as the discovery of spectacular southern lights and outstanding sunsets.
“Stewart Island anchors more than Maui’s canoe. It anchors in its rocks, rivers, and rugged shores and in its garnishment of plants and animals, the hope of generations unborn that places like this will always exist.”
– Neville Peat, 1992 –
History of Rakiura’s name
Raki ura is the history-and-naming-of-stewart-island/ in Māori. It means “heavenly glow.” – the land of glowing skies. This is in reference to the southern light that can be seen here. The sunsets are also amazing, with stunning colors, when the weather allows.
The name Stewart honors William Stewart, who charted Port Pegasus in 1809.
Oban
Rakiura is the third most populated island in New Zealand. The island has many inlets making beautiful mini bays where seals and penguins come to rest, as well as forested hills, dunes, and swamps. Around 85% of the island is wild. It has remarkable landscaping, which is why it is visited by more than 30,000 tourists a year.
Oban is the name of the only town on Stewart Island, with around 400 residents. Oban is located in Halfmoon Bay within Paterson inlet. The town’s main revenue is fishing and tourism. It’s the perfect place for people who are looking for adventures, birdwatchers, divers, hunters, photography, or just relaxing and enjoying the beach and nature.
Early settlement was mainly Scottish and was named Oban, meaning “the little bay” in Scottish Gaelic.
A regular ferry service can reach Oban from Bluff or by plane from Invercargill.
One morning during breakfast, a couple of Kaka came to share our breakfast. They loved apples.
What to do and see
On Stewart Island, there is a lot to do, I mean, if you like nature. Since the island has diverse native wildlife, spectacular coastal forests, and beaches, you can explore the island and its inlets.
Ulva Island
This island is one of the best places to see native birds. A ferry takes around 5 minutes from Golden Bay to the island. Upon arrival, you will encounter walking trails through the ancient, dense forest. The trails are well-maintained and easy to follow. You will encounter all sorts of birds, such as Kaka, wood pigeons, tui, yellow heads, bellbirds, weka, and Robins, and if you go early in the morning, you might be able to see a kiwi.
Sea Birds Tour
On Stewart Island, you can choose from many tours available to see Searbird like the several kinds of albatross, Buller’s mollymawk, petrels, cormorants, gulls, terns, the subantarctic skua, and the oystercatcher.
Norwegian Whalers’ Base
The base is located hidden in a beautiful golden sand bay. You enjoy 40 40-minute (both ways) walk through a forest with many ferns, amazing mosses, and podocarp trees. The historic Norwegian Whalers base is a tranquil inlet where you can enjoy the peaceful scenery.
Our guide told us that the Norwegian Whalers base was established in 1924. The base was mainly used to repair the harpoon boats. The Norwegians had a five-year exclusivity contract with the Queen and hunted Sperm whales for oil. He told us that in one year, 40,000 sperm whales were killed.
After five years, the queen allowed other companies to hunt sperm whales, which increased the product in the market. Consequently, the oil price decreased. The Norwegians decided to close the business and go home.
We took more than 20 minutes. Stopping and touching nature, appreciating every corner…
The Discovery of Stewart is a never-ending enjoyment; the soothing of the natural feeling, the ocean’s sound, and the birds make everything so magical. We just explored some of the possible activities. There is so much more to appreciate, see, and do. I definitely recommend visiting Stewart Island. Plan for at least four days and be keen to enjoy nature and the slow pace of life.
We also went to Mason Bay, but I keep this one for the next blog. Stay tuned.
