Stewart Island Attractions

New Zealand Stewart Island Attractions - What to See & Do. If you are looking for comprehensive travel information for Stewart Island Attractions including Bird Watching, Family Entertainment, General, Historic, Museum, Natural Feature and Wildlife, you will find it here on AA Travel.

Around the country our untamed coastlines, sparkling white sandy beaches, rolling green farmland, snow-capped mountains and native forests are filled with unlimited attractions for those who love the great outdoors. Whether you are a tramper, wildlife enthusiast, angler, skier, surfer or sailor, you’ll find New Zealand perfect for outdoor adventures. Aside from our great outdoors, there are also many great family attractions around the country, from theme parks, water parks, zoos and aquariums to beautiful parks and beaches. Kiwis are incredibly talented; our great artists, craftsmen, entertainers and those with ‘Kiwi ingenuity’ also provide many of the attractions. Check out fabulous artists’ studios, galleries, museums, culture shows and live entertainment.

Stewart Island: New Zealand's third island, across Foveaux Strait from Bluff, Stewart Island is one of New Zealand's best-kept secrets and is easily accessible by either passenger ferry across the strait or 20 minutes from Invercargill Airport. The only township is Oban on the shores of Halfmoon Bay. The 28km of road can be explored by hired motor scooter, mountain bike, rental car or a bus tour. Bookings for transport and accommodation are recommended. The island has local tracks to explore independently or with a guide; the hiking tracks spread out from Halfmoon Bay, with huts strategically placed. Bushwalks lead to various points of historic and scenic interest around the township. Weather conditions are very changeable. Launch trips and water taxis (glass-bottom boat) are available for sightseers and divers and those wanting to catch their own fish. Visits can be arranged to Ulva Island independently, or to the salmon and mussel farms in Paterson Inlet. Nature trips are an opportunity to view yellow-eyed and little blue penguins, mollymawks, seals and dolphins, with naturalist guides available on some boat trips. Stewart Island has the highest number of bird species in New Zealand. Other water activities include exploring underwater by semi-submersible diving, snorkelling, rock fishing, and kayaking in Paterson Inlet. Hunt for whitetail deer, enjoy a game of bowls or golf (6-hole course) and meet the friendly locals. The island's interesting history, including whaling, sealing, tin mining, timber milling and fishing industries, can be revisited at the Rakiura Museum. Local stores are fully equipped including having paua pearls (abalone) that have been grown on the island. There are no banking facilities on the island although credit cards and EFTPOS are accepted.