Stewart Island - Rakiura An Island of 17,200 ha 32 km south of Bluff, accessible by sea (1 hr) or air (20mins). The island is well forested and has limited roading, but plenty of walking tracks and trails varying in length from 10 minutes to 14 days. Parts of the Island are of significant natural heritage and there is talk that they may receive National Park status in the near future. There is lots of bird life on the Island including the Stewart Island Brown Kiwi, you may have the opportunity to spot these as they are active both day and night. Water Taxis, boat charters and buses provide local transport and activity options such as fishing snorkeling, diving and tours of the island. The main settlement of Oban (with a population of around 400) is located at Halfmoon Bay on the northern shores of Paterson Inlet. The Inlet is 100 sq kilometres of sheltered water with 20 islands and is a haven for kayakers to explore the coastline with its bush clad shores. There is a six hole golf links which overlooks Ringaringa Beach, this is a challenging course and should be included in your New Zealand golfing experience. The clear waters supports both mussel and salmon farming, and is home to seal colonies and is a food source for the shag rookeries. The lushness of the bush is sustained by a moist climate but overall the rainfall in total is less than that of Stewart Island.  Spring arrives earlier here than on the mainland, and the summer days enjoy a long twilight. Winter provides generally calm and settled kayaking conditions. Stewart Island has something to offer for all seasons.

A SELECTION OF ACTIVITIES IN THIS REGION
 

Lo Loma Fishing Charters Ltd
"Ready for a fishing experience?"
The skipper and crew welcome you aboard the "Lo Loma" Fishing Boat
(a licensed charter boat). The clear blue waters around Stewart Island abound with fish and sea life. Battle it out with the big blue cod, using traditional fishing methods, as you mix with the blackbacked gulls and the graceful mollymawks skimming the waves.
Location: 22A Peterson Hill Road, Stewart Island
Postal Address: PO Box 164, Stewart Island
Contact Person: Richard and Carolyn Squires
Phone: +64 (0) 3 219 1141
Cell: +64 (0) 27 393 8362
Email: Email
www.loloma.co.nz

Day Walks:

We suggest you acquire the Dept of Conservation "Stewart Island Day Walks" brochure for full track descriptions.
Observation Rock 15 min each way, from the township of Oban take Excelsior Road which is an uphill climb, then watch for the Observation Rock track sign.

Fuchsia Walk/Raroa Reserve Track (30 min each way) from town take Dundee Street and watch for the Fuchsia Walk sign.

Golden Bay-Deep Bay (2hr return) From the waterfront in town take Ayr Street, follow the road past

Traill Park and then downhill towards Golden Bay watch for the sign on your left to Deep Bay.

Harrold Bay and Ackers Point Lighthouse (3hrs return), refer track brochure for full description. Little

Blue Penguins come ashore at dusk at Ackers Point mid to late summer.

Evening Cove (15 min Leask Bay-Ringaringa Road).

Fern Gully (2 hr return) follows an old saw milling track beside a stream. Ferns, regenerating bush and bird life.

Bathing Beach (30 mins return) Take Horse shoe Bay Road to Kamahi Road and follow the sign. Bathing beach by name and by nature.

Horseshoe Point and Maotutau Moana (4hr return) a diverse walk of native garden, coastal scrub and beach around the peninsula an the northern side of Halfmoon Bay

These are just some of the walks on the main island; there are also walking tracks on nearby Ulva Island.

Tourism operators:

Ruggedy Range ™ Wilderness Experience
Stewart Island based ecotourism business offering guided walks/tramps, kiwi spotting trips, nature tours, tailored and/or personalised trips. Trips vary from half day to full day and include overnight trips.
The business aims to provide customers with an enjoyable, informative and safe experience. Interpretation covers natural and cultural history topics and conservation issues. Following ecotourism principles, a friendly quality service and small group sizes are high priorities.
For Bookings & Enquiries:
P O Box 188, Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island
Ph: 64 3 219 1066; Fax: 64 3 219 1078;
Website: www.ruggedyrange.com

Foveaux Express, scheduled ferry service Stewart Island-Bluff
Phone: +64 (03) 212 7660
Fax: +64 (03) 212 8377

Seaview Tours, water taxi to locations around the island
Phone: +64 (03) 219 1014

Thornfinn Charters, Guided bird & wildlife trips
Ph +64 (03) 219 1210

Oban Tours & Taxis,, Taxis & Tours, motor scooter hire.
Phone/Fax: +64 (03) 219 1456

Sam and Billy the Bus, natural history tours
Phone: +64 (03) 219 1269

Talisker Charters, 56' steel motor ketch, diving and scenic cruising guided walks, day or live aboard charters
Phone/Fax: +64 (03) 219 1151

Completely Southern Sea Kayaks, single/double sea kayaks for guided trips/rentals.
Phone: +64 (03) 219 1275

Stewart Island Sea Kayak Adventures guided tours/rentals
Phone: +64 (03) 219 1080

Rakiura Museum, Ayr Street 10am - noon, Monday - Saturday. Noon - 2pm Sunday.

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