At the very bottom of New Zealand's South Island is Stewart Island, known for lush rainforest and crystal clear waters surrounded by sweeping sands, rare flora, fauna and natural beauty.
Cruise lines only visit occasionally, so there are no large wharves or ports for big ships to tie up. Instead there's a sturdy jetty at Halfmoon Bay used by the interisland ferry and another at Golden Bay that are perfect for tenders bringing guests ashore from ships anchored in the bay for a comfortable dry landing. Both sites are an easy stroll into Oban township.
In town you will find a small supermarket, souvenir store, post office, ATM, Internet cafe and The Red Shed (visitor information centre).
Why go to Stewart Island?
Pros: Stewart Island's lush, unspoiled landscape alone makes for an otherworldly experience.
Cons: Not many cruises stop here, so if you want to visit via sea, your options will be limited.
Bottom Line: If you revel in nature and enjoy the wildlife scene, it can't get much better than Stewart Island.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money
Currency in Stewart Island is the New Zealand dollar. For the most up-to-date currency conversion figures, visit www.xe.com.
Language
English is the main language spoken on Stewart Island. Some locals speak Maori.
Cruise The World
