25 images to encourage you to go to Rakiura/Stewart Island
Once I first stepped foot on Rakiura/Stewart Island years in the past, I knew I’d find it irresistible there. I didn’t understand how a lot of a mark it might have on me.
New Zealand’s third island is named a haven for wildlife lovers. In contrast to the remainder of New Zealand, stoats, goats, mice, or pigs had been by no means launched to Stewart Island, which allowed the uncommon chicken life to hold on whereas it was decimated in different places. That being mentioned, it’s nonetheless declining, because of issues like feral cats (the worst).
Nevertheless, Rakiura/Stewart Island nonetheless ranks excessive as among the finest locations in New Zealand to stand up shut and private with the wildlife. It’s additionally among the finest locations to have the prospect to see kiwi within the wild. Residence to solely a pair hundred folks, Rakiura very a lot seems like a unique period, maybe even a glimpse of what New Zealand used to seem like or might even seem like once more.
As somebody who feels inherently linked to the land, Rakiura spoke to my soul the primary time I used to be right here.
After which it left an indelible mark on me once I stumbled throughout a whole lot of stranded pilot whales on a distant seashore tramping. Days from assist and completely off the grid, this traumatic expertise modified my life. On the time, I believed I’d by no means return to Stewart Island. However ultimately, I made peace with it.
A part of Southland, Stewart Island is totally magical no two methods about it. It’s far too particular to disregard.
I spend no less than per week right here every year, and final summer season was no exception. I flew over and again from Invercargill for the primary time as an alternative of cruising throughout, which provided a unique expertise. Listed below are a few of my favourite snaps from my Stewart Island journey – take pleasure in!
Go to Ulva Island and get your chicken nerd on
One of many highlights of any go to to Rakiura/Stewart Island is embracing the entire birdlife. And among the finest locations on Stewart Island is a bit island a brief boat journey away from the principle city, Oban, within the Paterson Inlet. Most of our predator-free offshore islands which can be chicken sanctuaries are closed to the general public and require a allow to entry. Ulva Island is likely one of the few exceptions.
There are numerous methods to expertise Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara, however I all the time discover a whole lot of worth in guided wildlife journeys – and Ulva’s Guided Walks isn’t any exception. Began by native Ulva in 2000, it’s an unimaginable expertise. Following alongside behind Ulva like her shadow, her vitality and fervour had been infectious; I discovered quite a bit from the expertise (and I already know quite a bit about birds).
Pest-free since 1997, Ulva Island gives a glimpse of what New Zealand’s unimaginable nature and birdlife might seem like with out predators. Amongst pristine rainforests and beautiful seashores, you’ll discover lots of our rarest birds, similar to kiwi, tīeke/saddleback, and mohua/yellowhead.
Fly out to Mason Bay and go tramping
Prior to now, with Stewart Island journey, I’ve all the time taken the ferry or a ship throughout the well-known Foveaux Strait from Bluff (and one time a helicopter, however that’s a narrative for one more time). Solely an hour, it’s a simple option to entry the island.
Stewart Island Flights operates small locations from Invercargill to Stewart Island just a few instances per day, and it’s an epic option to hop throughout shortly with some nice views. However a little-known secret is that they’ll additionally land their small planes on the lengthy sandy seashores round Stewart Island. Distant and wild, these seashores usually sit on the well-known North West Circuit Track. By flying in, you may get provides dropped off. You can begin and end tramping wherever you need, shortening a protracted monitor.
If you happen to’re eager to see a distant a part of Stewart Island, right here’s my greatest tip. Catch a flight to Mason Bay and keep on the Mason Bay backcountry DOC hut for an evening or two. Drop your pack and discover throughout the world – it’s epic! I all the time see kiwi right here too. Then stroll out to Freshwater Touchdown and catch the water taxi again to city with Rakiura Charters. You’ll get the very best of all the pieces in a brief time frame.
Get out on the water and search for seabirds
Whereas staying on Stewart Island, it’s an absolute should to get out on the water and discover the island. When you have a ship, your greatest wager is hopping on one of many many guided boat excursions. Stewart Island is likely one of the few locations on the earth the place you’ll be able to simply see a few of the most opulent seabirds, like albatross.
Ulva’s Guided Walks and Rakiura Charters run a land and sea bird full-day tour. This can get you out onto the water and likewise a guided journey round Ulva Island for the day. Each are must-dos!
Eat at Fin and Feather
Stewart Island journey requires some planning prematurely. It’s small, and also you’re restricted by way of lodging and eateries. I used to be so stoked to see a brand new place pop up in time for my go to final summer season – Fin and Feather Eatery – a gourmand meals truck proper in the course of city. Their menu adjustments on a regular basis, and their hours differ quite a bit, however no matter they’ve is unbelievable.
I ate there three completely different instances. And would have gone again for extra.
Search for kiwi after darkish
If you end up on Stewart Island after darkish, it’s an absolute should to search for kiwi. There’s all the time an opportunity you’ll be able to stumble throughout kiwi wherever on the island. However should you aren’t an enormous chicken nerd and are unfamiliar with their calls and searching for them, then your greatest wager is to hop on a kiwi recognizing tour.
I spent a night with locals Beaks and Feathers as we wandered round non-public land searching for kiwi. We noticed 10, together with infants. Once you’re chicken looking out at evening, you want to use a crimson mild so that you just don’t hassle or shock the kiwi, and it lets you see higher in low mild, which is why I don’t have images. It’s a good way simply to take a seat again and luxuriate in a unbelievable expertise.
The Rakiura tokoeka/Stweart Island kiwi is a subspecies of the southern brown kiwi, and they’re uncommon in a number of methods. Slightly extra frequent than the remainder of our kiwi, it’s estimated that round 20,000 of them are nonetheless on Rakiura. They’re additionally well-known for being energetic in the course of the daytime, and they’re huge. The most important of the kiwi, with huge ladies virtually reaching to your knees. Additionally they aren’t solitary, they usually stay in household teams.
Keep at Argyle Residences
Discovering a spot to remain on Stewart Island has lengthy been difficult – you want to ebook locations properly prematurely as a result of there’s restricted lodging. This time round, I obtained to remain in a model new construct – the Argyle Apartments, proper on the town. Flash, cozy, and shut by, the views out over Half Moon Bay and the encompassing bush had been simply magical. They usually had houseplants. 10/10.
Try the Rakiura Museum/Te Puka o Te Waka
I like small-town museums, and the Rakiura Museum doesn’t disappoint. Housing an intensive assortment showcasing the early historical past right here, from muttonbirding to Māori and whaling settlements, Rakiura was very a lot a captivating wild west. The tales are wild, and I typically think about what life would have been like again then.
An avid reader and author, I all the time choose up just a few books from museum present outlets that share extra in-depth tales in regards to the place. Typically the books there are onerous to seek out, small print run or self-published, making them much more distinctive.
Have you ever been to Rakiura/Stewart Island earlier than? Have any Stewart Island journey suggestions? Share!
Many because of Nice South for internet hosting me on Stewart Island; like all the time, I’m maintaining it actual – like you might anticipate much less from me!
