Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Stewart Island Day Trip or O/N

Tried looking at sticky but Stewart Island section appeared empty (is it my user error???)

Anyhow, I am looking for firsthand experiences and practical guidance on visiting Stwart Island?

Any thought on flying vs ferry to island from Inervcargil?

Thanks

Sorry - I haven't gotten to that bit yet.

If you have a few days in Invercargill then a day trip works, otherwise (or if wanting to explore the island) spend at least a night there.

What time of year are you travelling there? It can get rather windy through Foveaux Strait in certain months.

Thanks KiwiFlyer.

No problem about sticky - I thought I was doing something wrong.

Exact details of trip have not been worked out yet. But sometime in NZ's late Summer or Fall.

You'll have to forgive me for not remembering the exact times, but the flight to Stewart Island is much faster than the ferry. The airport in Invercargill is easy to get to and the flight is only about fifteen minutes.

I didn't bother with making any sort of advance reservation and just turned up at the airport. Paid for the ticket, got weighed on a scale and was off to the plane a few minutes later. I even got to sit in the co-pilot's seat, although I wasn't allowed to touch anything. :)

(I'm also pretty sure I have the only picture from Stewart Island on airliners.net: http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0765212/M/ )

I'm not a bird person, but I stayed overnight and still had a great time. Did a lot of tramping, took a water taxi to Ulva Island, etc. I stayed in a hostel, so I can't comment on lodging quality, but there are some decent places to grab a bite to eat, and of course everybody is friendly. Be forewarned that Stewart Island would also be a great place for one of Visa's "but they don't take American Express" commercials -- some places did EFTPOS but it's a good idea to bring sufficient cash (although I should admit I was there in late 2004, so I can't comment on how it has changed since then).

I think an overnight trip is an ideal amount of time -- anything more than that and I'm afraid I would have gotten bored, unless I committed to a full week and did a hike around the island.

I pretty much ditto blort's post.

I took the plane from Invercargill and also sat in the co-pilots seat ... nice ride. Talked to others that took the ferry over and it can be very rough, but is less expensive.

I did alot of hiking on my 3 days/2 nights. Stayed at the Bay Hotel and can give it a big thumbs up. Ulva island is really nice and merits a good 1/2 day. I went in April/May and some things were about to start closing down.

I think it would be a nice place to just relax/unwind or hike for a few days. There's also some kayaking and some bird watching, but don't think there much else there. When I went there were only a few tourists. The weather was cool and perfect for hiking.

I enjoyed it and will probably return one day.

Thanks KiwiFlyer.

No problem about sticky - I thought I was doing something wrong.

Exact details of trip have not been worked out yet. But sometime in NZ's late Summer or Fall.

April is likely to be windy.

Does the oyster season start on 1 May? It's the probably the biggest event of the year for that part of the world. You may want to hang around for it.

I stayed there for a whole week with lots of tramping.
There are excellent trails around the island, with huts interspaced for sleeping.
Nature is the main reason for going there, so get out there and tramp around :)
Sometimes a stray penguin will cross your trail. And if the weather is good you may decide to sleep outside and watch an amazing sky with more stars than you've ever seen in your life.

And Yes: fly from invercargill (which by the way is somewhat less interesting unless you have a severe sheep-fetish) ... it is quick, cheap and easy.

If you have a few days in Invercargill then a day trip works. If any tourists find they have a few days scheduled in Invercargill, I'd suggest they sack their travel arranger ...

If any tourists find they have a few days scheduled in Invercargill, I'd suggest they sack their travel arranger ...Especially since they lost the title of World's Southernmost McDonald's to Punta Arenas, Chile.

Who saw a Stewart Island Kiwi while tramping around?

This morning I received a newsletter with a competition to win a trip here, with a fair bit of info and links for accommodation and tours, just in case it helps.

Competition (http://www.jasons.com/New-Zealand/Stewart-Island/eco-experience)is likely to be limited to AU/NZ residents.


The island's main township is Oban (named after the Scottish town) overlooking Halfmoon Bay, and it's here you'll find most of the accommodation and services. (Is there a distillery, too? ;))

The competition doesn't appear to be limited to Oz/NZ residents. But you have to make your own way to/from IVC, which is hardly cheap from Americas, Asia, Africa or Europe

Recent bad weather resulted in severe flooding that closed some huts and tracks.

Check out the DOC - Weather Updates / Alerts (http://www.doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=44490) before traveling.