The Stewart Island Track
 |
Stewart Island is the 3rd largest Island in New Zealand and has a permanent population of around 400 people – most of whom live in the main town of Oban. The island is known for its clear clean waters, lush rainforests, sweeping sands, flora and fauna and unspoilt natural beauty. It is also a fisherman’s dream………. and famous for its oysters.
This is a 5 day trip that includes walking and kayaking and carries out an attractive loop of the island - crossing to Mason Bay on the eastern side; walking and sea kayaking over to Halfmoon Bay (and further exploration); and an interesting visit to Ulva Island, which is a wild life sanctuary.
Many centuries ago Maori came by canoe to the island to harvest shellfish and mutton birds, which are traditions still carried out today by local iwi. The original name was Te Punga o Te Waka a Maui, meaning "The Anchor Stone of Maui's Canoe" – although the island is now referred to as Rakiura, the “Land of the Glowing Skies”.
Captain Cook was the first European to discover the island in 1770, but he thought it was part of the South Island, and named it South Cape. Later, the vessel “Pegasus” sailed from Port Jackson, Australia (in 1809), on a sealing expedition. While the boat was in the large south eastern harbour (which now bears its name “'Pegasus”), first officer William Stewart began charting the southern coasts…….. and his work is acknowledged by the Island's present name.
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx 
Features of the Stewart Island Track
-
You will be accompanied by an experienced guide.
- We provide all meals, accommodation, transfers, hut and guiding fees, camping and cooking equipment, maps, sleeping bags and linen. You need to carry a medium sized back pack which will weigh 6 to 10 kgs.
-
You should have clothes for all seasons (including rain), as the weather can be extreme.
-
Packs and wet weather gear are available, but please give us advance notice.
-
The track surfaces vary from beaches, natural tracks, boardwalk, old tramlines and rough terrain broken up by rocks and tree roots. We recommend that you wear hiking boots, which provide firm ankle support. The track can be muddy.
-
The sea kayaking is in sheltered waters in stable double sea kayaks with a certified sea kayak guide and no prior experience is required.
-
Your fitness levels should be moderate.
-
There is camping on the first night on the island and then comfortable, good standard accommodation thereafter.
-
Meals are provided for the duration of the trip and each night you will experience a variety of local cuisine. The atmosphere and ambience of the journey is an important part of Tuatara Tours adventures.
-
The tour begins and ends in Invercargill.
Itinerary
Day One (Arrive in Invercargill)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
You will arrive in Invercargill and stay at the Victorian Railway Hotel. That evening there will be a briefing about the trip at 6 pm, followed by an evening meal. Shuttles are available from Queenstown and Te Anau.
Day Two (4 hours, walking for 10km)
You fly by light plane from Invercargill airport to Mason Bay passing Codfish Island, an important Kakapo sanctuary. The plane lands on Mason Bay Beach (and therefore is tide dependent) and we take some time to explore this isolated wonderland. You will walk to the Mason Bay Hut, and this is the one “wilderness” night where we camp alongside the Hut.
This evening you will be out trying to spot the Stewart Island Kiwi (“Tokoeka” in Maori).
xxxxx
xxxxx
Day Three (4 hours, walking for 14 kms)
You will start the day with an easy walk across the Island to Freshwater…..and will experience massive sand dunes, head high tussock and Manuka trees that house many native birds…… including kiwis and robins.
At Freshwater Landing we meet the water taxi for an half hour ride down Freshwater River and across Paterson Inlet to Halfmoon Bay. That night you will stay in a classic Southland "crib" or holiday home, with power and a shower. Dinner is generally fresh Salmon that is caught that day.
Day Four (3 hours kayaking and walk for 3 hours)
On this day you explore Paterson Inlet by sea kayak, water taxi and by foot.
In the morning (depending on the weather) you take the sea kayaksto explore Paterson Inlet, and have a chance to see seals, shags and blue penguins.
You then visit Ulva Island, which is an open sanctuary that plays an important role in the conservation of threatened species. Birds you might see include the weka, kaka, kakariki, kukupa, mohua and tieke.
You stay in Rakiura Lodge that night in Halfmoon Bay.
Day Five (explore Halfmoon Bay)
On the last day you will have the opportunity to explore Halfmoon Bay, which contains the village of Oban and is where the fishing fleet docks. You can try one of many short walks, visit a local craft gallery, or just soak up the ambience of the island.
In the afternoon (generally 1:30pm) you fly to Invercargill for the completion of your journey.
