Stewart Island is the third biggest island in New Zealand. The island lies about 30 kilometers south of South Island. The best thing about this island is its wildlife and the estimated population of the island is around 400 people, which means less crowd.
It is also known as Rakiura. The word ‘Rakiura’ is the Maori word, translating to the Glowing Skies. This is possibly due to the spectacular dramatic sunsets and the southern lights.
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How to get to Stewart Island?
There are two ways to get to the island:
- Flights:
- Stewart Island Flights run flights between Invercargill and Stewart Island.
- Cost for return: AUD 215 (USD 159.16).
- Ferries:
- Stewart Island Ferry Services run ferries between Bluff and Stewart Island.
- Cost for return: NZD 158 or AUD 144.4 (USD 106.95)
I took a flight. It was a cute little plane and was a fun experience. I suggest flying for at least one way as it provides a great view of the ocean and the island.
Where to stay and eat?
I stayed at South Sea Hotel. It is very close to the Information Center and opposite to the beach. It is a very convenient place to stay at and it has a pub/bar, which is the only bar on the island.
Booking details:
- South Sea Hotel.
- Cost for Single room: NZD 75 or AUD 69.1 (USD 52.3).
- Address: 32, Dee Street, P.O. Box 960, Invercargill.
- Phone Number: +6432140954.
- Note: The food is expensive at the hotel.
The island also has a budgeted stay which is backpackers hostel.
Things to do in Stewart Island
The first thing to do is to hire a car. The car can be hired at Oban Visitor Center. It costs about NZD 120 or AUD 111.79 (USD 83.45) for 24 hours of hire with a refundable deposit of NZD 500 or AUD (USD ). It is a great way to travel around the island.
There are plenty of walks and the most famous being Rakiura Track. The Rakiura Track is a multi day hike.
Other things to do are:
- Visit Ulva Island.
- 15 minutes water taxi ride from Stewart Island.
- Water taxi leaves from Golden Bay (Stewart Island) and drops at Post Office Bay Wharf (Ulva Island).
- Ulva Island is a pest free island and is free from any predators and dangers.
- Cost for water taxi (return): NZD 30-40 (depending on number of people) or AUD 27.4-36.55 (USD 20.3-27.06).
- Sighting Kiwi birds.
- Cost: FREE.
- View Southern lights.
- Best place to view: Remarkable Rocks.
- Cost: FREE.
- Visit Te Puka – the anchor stone.
- Cost: FREE.
- Visit different bays around the island.
- Cost: FREE.
Conclusion
I strongly felt it was really worth visiting New Zealand’s third island. It is an untouched and a beautiful island, with less tourists and amazing wildlife. I recommend this island if you have some extra time after seeing the South Island.
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Thank you for the information Raksha
You are welcome. And thank you for reading the post.
Thank you Raksha
I have never even heard of Stewart Island! Thank you for sharing!
Yes when people visit New Zealand, they always hear a lot about North and South Islands. There is also this Stewart Island which is so untouched.
Stewart island looks beautiful! I’ve always wanted to go to new zealand
Yes New Zealand is extremely pretty.
Great tips! Hope I can get here someday
Wow! Stewart’s Island and New Zealand look beautiful definitely going on my bucket list.
New Zealand is on my bucket list! Hopefully one day I can explore Stewart’s Island – it sounds like an amazing place with beautiful views!
Wow, Stewatd Island looks it has beautiful beaches. I would love to go and visit the island for the beaches but it’s own culture.
Even though i have travelled a lot due to my job I have never been to New Zealand. Really wish to visit someday. Thanks for sharing your experience 🙂
I’ve been to New Zealand for a few days but did not get a chance to visit Stewart Island. I would love to visit next time
I can see that Stewart Island is pristine in its beauty. A quiet place where one can unwind and reflect about the good life.
We often go to NZ to visit my husband’s family so will definitely have to check out this island ?
I am waiting for a better situation worldwide then will make plan to travel. NZ is a beautiful country to visit.
I have always wanted to visit NWZ, but never got a chance. But definitely will visit soon.
I can’t wait to visit NWZ, we have several friends living there but haven’t quite made it yet. 🙂 Great article!
I wish I would travel to Steward Island now. I cant wait until it is safe to travel again!
I was here three years ago and we loved it. I want to go back again
Such a beautiful place, I definitely must visit it one day!
I want to visit New Zealand so bad and Stewart Island looks amazing. Such a beautiful place.