Stewart Island Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
New Zealand's third largest island, 30 km south of the South Island
About Stewart Island
Most of the island is covered in native forest and virtually the entire population of about 400 is concentrated in the township of Oban (also known as Halfmoon Bay) on the east coast. Commercial fishing and tourism are the two main occupations for residents. The main attractions for visitors are hiking (called tramping in New Zealand), birdwatching, fishing and deer hunting. Although Stewart Island looks small on a map next to the South Island, it is large: 64km long, 40km across (at its widest point), with a 700-km coastline. But there are only 20km of roads. You can't walk round the island in a day – even ten days tramping only skirts the northern third. Few people have seen anywhere near the whole of the island. There is much to see, even close to the only settlement of Oban. Come for a
Top Attractions in Stewart Island
Explore the best things to see and do in Stewart Island:
- ★A Local's Tail
- ★Coast to Coast
- ★Lee Bay chain sculpture
- ★Lo Loma Fishing Charters
- ★Moturau Moana Native Gardens
- ★North-West Circuit
- ★Observation Rock
- ★Rakiura Museum
Where to Eat in Stewart Island
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Church Hill Restaurant and Oyster Bar
- 🍴Kai Kart
- 🍴South Sea Hotel
- 🍴Stewart Island Four Square
Where to Stay in Stewart Island
- 🏨A Grand View Backpackers
- 🏨Allan's Base Camp
- 🏨Bay Motel
- 🏨Kaka Retreat
- 🏨Kowhai Lane Lodge
- 🏨South Sea Hotel
Stewart Island Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: