Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
South Sea Hotel
( 03-219 1059;
www.stewart-island.co.nz;
cnr Argyle St & Elgin Tce; s $65-100, d $85-110)
This is a
welcoming spot at the end of a long tramp, with comfortable rooms and an on-site bar and
restaurant.
HOTEL, RESTAURANT$
CAFE, BAR$$$
Church Hill Restaurant & Oyster Bar
( 03-219 1323;
www.churchill.co.nz;
36 Kamahi Rd; noon & dinner)
During summer this herit-
age villa's sunny deck provides hilltop views, and in cooler months you can get cosy inside
beside the open fire. Food highlights include local smoked salmon and old-fashioned
desserts. Book early for a dinner spot.
7
Supplies & Equipment
SUPERMARKET
Ship to Shore
(Elgin Tce; 7.30am-7.30pm)
This mini-mart has a good selection of groceries and other
tramper needs, including white spirits and freeze-dried meals, but as you might expect,
prices are higher on this side of Foveaux Strait.
8
Information
Stewart Island Experience
( 03-212 7660, 0800 000 511;
www.stewartislandexperience.co.nz;
12
Elgin Tce; 8.30am-6pm)
In the big red building. Books accommodation and activities,
handles sightseeing tours and rents scooters and cars.
8
Getting There & Away
Stewart Island Flights
(
Click here
)
links Invercargill and Rakiura (one way/return $115/
195, 20 minutes, three daily); ask about stand-by fares. It runs a minibus between the
Rakiura airstrip and Oban, which is included in the airfare. The baggage allowance is only
15kg per person - not much if you're carrying tramping gear - and if you exceed that
weight the excess may have to come on a later flight.
Stewart Island Experience
( 0800 000 511, 03-212 7660;
www.stewartislandexperience.co.nz;
Main Wharf)
operates the passenger-only ferry from Bluff to Rakiura ($69, one hour) around
three times daily, with additional runs during the summer, when you should definitely book
ahead. Foveaux Strait is often stormy, so carry some seasickness pills. Cars and campervans
can be stored in a secure car park at Bluff for an additional cost.
