Stewart Island Hotel Reviews

Stewart Island is a wonderful place to visit for a few days, but to get the most out of it you need to be fit and a good walker not dismayed by steep hills. Don''t miss a trip to Ulva Island to see rare NZ birds. Ruggedy Range Tours do an excellent half-day guided trip starting early in the morning when the birds are active. I saw 14 species including an owl which is supposed to be nocturnal! You can also take a trip in a semi-submersible which lasts an hour, although after twenty minutes you are unlikely to see anything you haven''t already had your fill of. To see kiwis in their natural habitat you have to go out on a small boat at night and spend a couple of hours tramping around the bush with torches-great fun if you are lucky enough to spot a kiwi but there is no guarantee of sightings. The South Sea Hotel and the Church Hill Cafe both serve a decent lunch of local seafood. I was very lucky with the weather but I don''t think I would have enjoyed myself nearly so much if it had been wet or cold. Take plenty of reading material with you because you won''t be able to buy any, except booklets on local and natural history.