Stewart Island Experience Ferry Services
On Friday morning Catherine and I were like two little kids on Christmas morning. “We’re going to Stewart Island today” we chimed as we lugged our bags into the van and headed for the ferry terminal in Bluff.
The staff were very accommodating providing me with a media package with information on Stewart Island and their company. As I quickly glanced through some of the brochures my excitement only increased as I pondered all the things we could do.
Crossing the Foveaux Straight by boat is only for those who have a very strong stomach i.e. not me! Foveaux Straight otherwise known as the roaring forties (40degrees latitude) generates titanic waves and strong winds due its shallow waters and position. There are only 2 options travelling to Stewart Island, the ferry or the plane, and obviously the ferry is much cheaper.
However, it was made much more enjoyable with Stewart Island Experience express catamarans. The catamarans are very modern and stylish boasting comfortable seats as well as free tea and coffee on board.
Prices start from $63 one way from Bluff to Stewart Island.
Bay Motel
We had a very enjoyable stay at the Bay Motel. I wasn’t feeling so good after the ferry ride over, despite all efforts made by staff on Stewart Island Experience catamarans (cold towel, water, paper bag, and constant checking by the crew) my stomach got the better of me. However I felt much better once I was on land and inside our spectacular apartment with a panoramic balcony overlooking Half Moon Bay.
When we arrived on Stewart Island we were greeted by Brett the owner of Bay Motel, who was waiting with a board that had my name written on it- talk about VIP! However he assured me that this is how he treats all his guests- first class all the way. After Brett loaded our luggage into the car we were given an introductory tour around the village, pointing out places of interest before being driven up to the motel.
Our room was very spacious and modern featuring a kitchen, dining and lounge area with a separate bedroom and bathroom. The views across the harbour were just spectacular. The rooms are self-contained with cooking facilities, central heating, Sky TV, and wireless Internet.
The Bay Motel is located right in the centre of Halfmoon Bay within easy walking distance to all amenities including shops, restaurants, café, grocery store and museum. The complex incorporates nine studio units, a one-bedroom unit, a popular two-bedroom family unit and two spacious apartments. The Honeymoon Suite with spa bath has the best view over Halfmoon Bay and is quite private.
Prices start from $160 per night. For more information visit their website at: http://www.baymotel.co.nz/
Kowhai Land Holiday Home
From the word go Peter and Iris went out of their way to make our stay as comfortable as possible. They fetched our bags and us from town after we discovered that our coast-to-coast scenic flight with Stewart Island Flights was cancelled due to the weather BOOOOOO. They drove us up to Kowhai Lane Holiday Home, provided us with village and weather maps and helped us plan our activities around the erratic weather.
Kowhai Lane Holiday Home is situated in private gardens only a 5 minutes stroll from the village centre and waterfront. It very much was a home away from home during our Island experience. With 4 double rooms Kowhai Lane can either be booked as a single room with shared kitchen and lounge areas or as a whole house for families or group. All rooms have an ensuite so you we didn’t have to queue for the bathroom, which was great. Our twin room was very modern and well appointed with new carpet throughout. It also featured a private kitchen, which was very clean with all modern conveniences and amenities.
The view from our appartment:
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www.exploretainment.comIt was not a complete disaster that our flight was cancelled as we were able to have lunch with Peter and Iris at the other 5* Qualmark property called Sails Ashore. Sails Ashore is absolutely stunning and features magnificent views over the village and harbour.
After lunch Peter decided that the weather was not going to get any better and that our tour of Ulva Island was to be now or never. So we boarded his beautiful yaht and sailed to Ulva Island.
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www.exploretainment.comUlva Island is a magical place and an absolute ‘must do’ for visitors to Stewart Island. The Island is now free of all introduced animals and is fast becoming a glimpse into New Zealand’s ancient past.
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www.exploretainment.comOnce the Forest Ranger for Ulva Island for over 40 years, Peter is an expert on the Islands history, flora and fauna. As we wandered through the lush forest at a relaxed pace Peter explained what Island life is like and how it all blends into the enchantment of Rakiura.
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www.exploretainment.comIris and Peter believe that larger parties degrade the experience therefore they keep to a party size of 6 or less. Iris and Peters extensive history with Ulva Island (Iris has been appointed as a foundation Trustee of Ulva Island) will be sure to impress during your guided walk.
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www.exploretainment.comAfter our Ulva Island adventure Peter and Iris were some how not sick of us and invited us to have dinner at their Sails Ashore property. All in all they were wonderful hosts!
While their "Sails" Guided Ulva Island Experience is packaged with "Sails Ashore" and "Kowhai Lane" accommodation they also welcome casual bookings, and the tariff includes transfers at the start and end of the tour. For more information visit their website at: http://www.sailsashore.co.nz
Glendaruel Bed and Breakfast
Our last night on Stewart Island was spent with Raylene Waddell in her property Glendaruel B&B at Golden Bay. It was nice to experience a different part of Stewart Island despite only being a 10minute walk from the main village.
Glendaruel is ideally situated overlooking Paterson Inlet and surrounded on two sides by uninterrupted vistas of native forest. Otherwise known as Raylene’s private Eden her garden is a fusion of native and exotic plants that extend over several levels and melds into the forest. Not only loved by garden magazines native New Zealand birds flock from near and far to see what all the rave is about. As we ate our breakfast overlooking the garden we were visited by several birds including the Tui and Kaka birds.
www.exploretainment.com
www.exploretainment.com
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www.exploretainment.comThere is three bedrooms in total, a queen, a twin/king, and a single. Each room is very private and has its own ensuite and tea/coffee making facilities in the room. Our room boasted magnificent views over the garden, however we weren’t lucky enough to see a kiwi ☹
We awoke to yet another miserable day and it was no surprise that our underwater explorer adventure was cancelled. Mother nature can be very crewel at times! Rather than mirroring the weather and being miserable indoors, Raylene took us for a drive around Stewart Island. We sat in the back of the vehicle enjoying our packed lunch from Four Square as Raylene drove and provided a commentary on the different bays, flora and fauna on the Island.
www.exploretainment.comView from Observatory Rock
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www.exploretainment.comIn Maori mythology, Stewart Island is the anchor stone which held the canoo (South Island) while catching the big fish (North Island). Here you can see the chain that holds the anchor stone.
www.exploretainment.comGolden Bay Warf
www.exploretainment.comOur Packed Lunches were kindly provided by Jill & Richard from Four Square Supermarket Ship to Shore on Elgin Terrace. Of course these were originally intended for our coast-to-coast scenic flight and also for the underwater explorer adventure.
Four Square is a supermarket offering the usual comprehensive range of grocery items- Fruit & vegetables, bread & milk - (fresh in store three days a week) and wine and beer. As well as your out of the ordinary grocery store items- Tramping/camping supplies, Fishing lines, hooks, sinkers, bait, wet weather gear and gumboots.
Stewart Island Flights
Raymond from Stewart Island Flights was just as disappointed as us with the cancellation of our scenic flight. In an effort to enhance our Stewart Island experience he offered for us to fly back to Invercargill, which we happily accepted.
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www.exploretainment.comDon’t be put off by the size of the plane- they don’t call it a little plane for nothing. The flight is a comfortable 20minutes encompassing astonishing views of both Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island.
Stewart Island Flights offers multiple scheduled flights daily from Invercargill to Halfmoon Bay and vice versa. There is a courtesy coach from the Stewart Island Flights Depot in the village to the Ryan’s Creek airfield.
For prices and information on their scenic flights visit their website at http://www.stewartislandflights.com
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