Stewart Island / Rakiura

So lovely to be at the bottom of our island . Stewart Island is a very calming place . Very friendly people as there's just over 400. So much to enjoy tours or walks ...hire bikes .or just lay on the beach. Nice local with excellent food drink and music. We did kiwi spotting at night with beak and feathers..So fabulous another must to do..Yes we saw 2 male kiwis up close and our tour guide Sheree was just amazing. Made of own Stone carved necklaces with Dave Goodin at Rakiura Jade this i highly recommend such an amazing time learning and skills you use ..end results are wickered

It was one of the best hikes in New Zealand. We did the North West Circuit and even saw wild kiwis during our hike. This place is very special, pure nature and no mobile phone reception. On this hike you come into harmony with nature and are mostly on your own. We really enjoyed the time and were able to switch off from the stress of everyday life. The hike was very challenging, but the best we've ever done.

Flew over to Stewart Island which gave us a good view. Lovely bush walks and a relaxed atmosphere. Good cafes and nice meals at the pub. Did the RealNZ tour and one to Ulva Island which were both good.

This has to be one of the most difficult reviews I have ever written. First of all this place is magical, a special experience, with a strong Scottish connection, as evidenced by the place names and history. It is geared up for tourists, with trips to predator- free Ulva island, bike hire, numerous coffee shops, lots of trips to book, good hikes and chatty friendly locals. I come from a fishing village, and despite being from about as far away as it is possible to be, there was a lot in common with the culture here. Then there were the frustrating bits, the car culture, with so many vehicles on an island with 22km of roads, the indifference to abuse of their surroundings, with dumped equipment and decaying tools everywhere. The most agitating thing for me however was a cat, which caught two birds in the garden of our accommodation, on our final morning. In a place full of endangered species, which makes it's living from tourists coming to see them, why on earth would you have a pet cat, and let it out to kill indiscriminately? I recognise that may be hypocritical from someone who flew halfway around the world to be there, but it wound me up much more than I thought it should. So a mixed bag. So much going for it, with some frustrations I'm finding it very difficult to overlook, despite recognising that the locals want to lead their lives, rather than be exhibits in a museum.

Great bus tour took my wee dog but not to the DOC sites. Friendly people thank you Gary Shapwell for encouraging me to go.

Absolutely amazing, you go back in time to when things were simpler. Modern technology is still prevalent in the main centre of Oban, but otherwise a very laid back atmosphere with epic natural beauty to be observed. Make sure you check out Ulva island as kiwi sightings and other rare birds are a daily occurence. Not to mention the flora. Highly recommend one visit in a life time.

Fantastic place to go to. The wildlife here is second to none. The history is amazingly intact. The people are helpful and welcoming. Best place to get information is at Doc they are really helpful about what's happening around the island. There is lots to see and do here. There are some amazing tramps. If you can take a boat it's well worth it too. The marine life is amazing. Lots of beautiful beaches to explore. Some of the cleanest beaches I have ever seen. Birds are amazing. There are so many things here that are simply nowhere else in the world. So well worth taking the time to get here and taking the time to understand what is around you. If you hunt or fish this is your place. If you enjoy a slow walk amongst thousands of years old bush and spotting rather unique plants and animals then you could spend months here. The beaches are made from 300 million year old granite so the sand is an amazing blonde and white. The peaks are well worth the effort to climb and the south end of the island is well worth the effort to explore. You can helicopter in to many places or book a real journeys tour it's well worth it. The guiding team will work at your level and interest. Highly recommended place.

Fern Gully - A reasonably easy walk when the track is dry. The scenery and the atmosphere are unbelievably enchanting. I'd walk this track every day if I could. Ulva Island Ferry and Water Taxi - I have used the ferry many times over the past seven years and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. In 2022 the ferry wasn't available so I took the company's water taxi with Rakiura at the helm, never again! There was no need to deliberately turn into every wave and bounce the passengers all around the boat. Passengers all gripped onto anything we could anchor to, struggled to hold our bags and every face was tense with the strain of the journey. Avoid the Ulva Island Ferry water taxi service unless you are willing to suffer unnecessary discomfort. Fishing with Fluff - I highly recommend a fishing trip with Gordon Leask, otherwise known as 'Fluff'. Fluff is a delightful and thoughtful host, a knowledgeable skipper and a superb cook. His deckhand 'Chief' (a Jack Russell Terrier) adds to the fun. Even if you don't fish, Fluff offers a great day out on the water along the coast or out to the islands with dozens of sea birds in tow.

Oban is a small settlement located on the South-most part of Stewart Island. Early Southern New Zealand colonies were settled by Scottish immigrants. Their influences can be found throughout New Zealand. This settlement was named after Oban in Scotland. (An-l-Oban) in Scottish Gaelic meaning (Little Bay). There are only two ways to reach Oban on Stewart's Island. One is by ferry, and the other by plane. The population is quite small on the island and the temperature remains quite cool year round. Most tourists come to Oban before journeying into "Rakiura National Park" which consumes about 85% of Stewart's Island . Rakiura Track is one of New Zealands Great Walks ! Here in Oban you can stay at one of the many accommodations from Bed & Breakfast / Retreats/ lodges/ Hostels & Hotels, but also buy any items needed for your hike at the general store. There are also souvenir stores/ museum/ art gallery and restaurants. My wife and I are blessed to have had the opportunity to visit this beautiful township "Oban"on Stewart's Island ! Live/Love/Travel !