Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Information
Stewart Island Experience Red Shed (see 22)
Transport
Numerous operators offer guided tours: walking, driving, boating and by air, most fo-
cusing on wildlife with history slotted in. Independent walkers have plenty to choose
from; visit Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre for details on local tramps, long and
short, and huts along the way. The trails in DOC's
Stewart Island/Rakiura Short Walks
pamphlet ($2) would keep you busy for several days, and a bit less if you hire a bike
from the Red Shed to fast-track the road sections. Longer tramps can also be shortened
urahelicopters.co.nz
)
, or Stewart Island Flights (
Click here
)
, which works with Rakiura
Charters to offer the fulfilling day-long or overnight
Coast to Coast
cross-island hike.
Both air operators offer scenic flights.
If you haven't ever sea-fished, or just fancy it, this is the place, for NZ boasts no better
fishers. Oh, and the answer to the question of swimming is definitely yes: yes, it is pos-
sible, and yes, you will probably freeze your nuts off.
Day Walks
Observation Rock
WALKING
This short but quite sharp 15-minute climb reaches the Observation Rock lookout where
there are panoramic views of Paterson Inlet, Mount Anglem and Mount Rakeahua. The
trail is clearly marked from the end of Leonard Rd, off Ayr St.
Ackers Point
WALKING
This three-hour return walk features an amble around the bay to a bushy track passing
the historic
Stone House
(built 1835) at
Harrald Bay
before reaching
Ackers Point
Lighthouse
where there are wide views of Foveaux Strait and the chance to see blue
penguins and a colony of titi.
