Simply get in touch and from there we can work on the details of transfers, timings and memories to create along the way. Currently, our charter rate is $11,000 per 24-hour period (from midday to midday) with a minimum of 3 nights. Summer (December to February) offers the best weather, while autumn and spring provide fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Yes, there are various accommodation options on Stewart Island, ranging from hostels and motels to holiday homes and bed & breakfasts, primarily around Oban. Stewart Island Four Square owners Sam and Charlotte Jenkinson, who were an essential service, said their client base ‘‘quartered overnight’’. Mr Peckham said with the business only being one season old, it was important for the pair to get up and running again.
Mooney says the message to those booked to travel to the lower South Island is “we are open for business in this part of the world so please keep coming”. “We started a brand new business six months before Covid but we managed to hibernate pretty well,” he says. “The other thing that has happened is because the weather in the North Island has been terrible this summer people have been jumping on planes and coming south because we’ve had very good weather,” says Joy. The island was hit less hard by the pandemic than other Southland destinations because of its popularity with Kiwis unable to go overseas, says Joy. Holmes, a moderator of Te Anau’s job board, says there are signs the shortage is easing with more people seeking work on the Facebook page than applying for jobs posted.
Tourists flock to scenic south
Led by passionate free-divers and nature guides, the tour offers a glimpse of the island’s vibrant marine life and captivating kelp forests. Since its creation in 1993, populations of fish have grown exponentially in the Tonga Island Marine Reserve, just off the shores of Abel Tasman National Park. There are more than seven times as many crayfish and 40 times as many blue cod over 30cm — making this an ideal feeding ground for dolphins, orcas, penguins, birds and seals. Sitting in the middle of the entrance to the Queen Charlotte Sounds, it takes a bit of commitment to get to the Long Island-Kokomohua Marine Reserve, the South Island’s first marine reserve. Since being protected, populations have exploded — there’s reported to be three times more blue cod, and 11.5 times more rock lobster.
Deer removed from conservation islands
About 35km from the Tauranga Harbour entrance, Tūhua (Mayor Island) is a collapsed volcano on the edge of the continental shelf. The resulting atmosphere is a dive destination, with a mixture of shallow reef and deep-water environments. Stewart Island is a sanctuary for New Zealand’s native birdlife and the only place in the country where you can spot the iconic kiwi in its natural habitat.
Akaroa Marine Reserve
Two major sea currents converge here — one cold current from Southland and a warmed current from the d’Urville zone. It’s a place where seals and penguins collide with sub-tropical fish and sharks. The ancient remains of an enormous volcano even older than Maunga Taranaki, the Sugar Loaf Islands are a semi-sheltered marine environment boasting 89 species of fish and at least 19 species of sea birds.
- Milford Sound is lagging because the China and other Asian markets are yet to recover.
- In addition to working with local school groups, the tour operator is committed to preserving this incredible environment with its regular seafloor and roadside clean-ups.
- Housing workers is an ongoing issue, which Holmes says is a “catch-22” for the tourist town.
- Discover the magic of Stewart Island—an uncharted paradise that promises unforgettable moments and inspiring adventures at every corner.
We take along a maximum of 12 good people at a time, who can move into 5 cabins with ensuite bathrooms whilst M.V. Flightless is home.All meals and hot drinks are supplied and we’re happy to cater to any dietary requirements. So the only things to bring are some clothes (we do No deposit bonus New Zealand have a washing machine and dryer on board), any treats or alcohol you may want to indulge in and of course a sense of adventure. A highlight of any trip to Stewart Island is a visit to Ulva Island, an extraordinary open bird sanctuary that offers a safe haven for native flora and fauna.
As you traverse its unspoiled terrain, you’ll discover a destination steeped in Maori history and local lore, where every turn unveils a new chapter of natural beauty and adventure. One of the tour operators that visit the island and its waters (along with exploring the new Motiti Protection Area) is Dolphin Seafaris (nzdolphin.com). This southernmost open sanctuary provides an otherworldly experience where rare bird species and vibrant plant life flourish undisturbed, inviting you to enjoy New Zealand’s natural beauty at its best. Welcome to Stewart Island, a breathtaking sanctuary located at New Zealand’s southern tip, where rugged coastlines, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife converge to create an unparalleled destination. Known as New Zealand’s hidden gem, Stewart Island offers a unique blend of adventure, tranquillity, and cultural heritage that captivates nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Explore Stewart Island’s underwater wonders with Stewart Island Adventures’ new guided snorkelling and diving tours.