Stewart Island Visitor Guide 2014 /15, New Zealand For all enquiries and reservations contact Stewart Island Experience Bluff Visitor Terminal: Foreshore Road, Bluff Oban Visitor Terminal: Elgin Terrace, Stewart Island FREE 0800 000 511 info@sie.co.nz www.stewartislandexperience.co.nz Booking Conditions: Check in 30 minutes prior to ferry departure; check in 20 minutes prior to all other cruise and tour departures. Departures are weather/sea conditions dependent. 24 hours notice required for refund. Child rates (5-14 years), infants (0-4 years) travel free. Stewart Island Experience reserves the right to amend timetables, cancel departures, substitute plant / equipment and alter ticket prices at any time. Stewart Island Experience operates limited departures on Christmas Day. SIEVGI 08/14 Stewart Island Experience is owned and operated by Real Journeys Ltd. New Zealand's Southern most Island Share your experience with others Printed in New Zealand using environmentally friendly inks and paper www.stewartislandexperience.co.nz
Explore Stewart Island with us... Located at the southern tip of New Zealand, just one hour ferry ride from Bluff, is New Zealand s ultimate eco-tourism destination - Stewart Island. With forested hills descending to a coastline of rocky outcrops and golden sand beaches, it is a natural refuge for marine and bird life. Stewart Island is famous for colourful sunsets - which gives rise to its Maori name Rakiura, land of the glowing skies. Visit the Island for a day, or take time to explore during a more extended stay. There s plenty to do. Relax and enjoy the coastal scenery or explore on an independent or guided basis. Rakiura National Park has many walking tracks; it s a walker s paradise. Stewart Island s small township Oban offers everything you ll need during your stay, including accommodation ranging from backpacker hostels to lodges. At the local restaurants be sure to try the fresh seafood - crayfish, blue cod and Stewart Island oysters. land A part of Newly Zspeceaial that's tru e Welcom 03 rry Services Stewart Island Fe 05 ns Coach Connectio 06 uises Paterson Inlet Cr 08 Tours Village and Bays 09 dge Stewart Island Lo 10 Guided Walks 11 Rental Services 13 Maps 1
Stewart Island Ferry Services While most visitors spend at least one night on Stewart Island, it s also readily accessible as a day trip from Invercargill or Bluff. There s plenty to do. You ll zip across Foveaux Strait aboard our comfortable catamaran. During your trip, keep an eye out along the way for wildlife, particularly sea birds such as the Mollymawk (albatross) and the Titi. Interesting landmarks commonly seen include Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, Titi Islands and Mt Anglem - Stewart Island s highest point. Our friendly staff provide informative commentary and will point out highlights. > Year round daily scheduled service > Complimentary tea and coffee served on board 1hr One Way Tour Duration Departs NOVEMBER - MAY & OCTOBER From Bluff 9.30am & 4.30pm 8am (26 Dec - 15 Jan only), 9.30am, 11am & 5pm From Stewart Island 8am & 3pm 8am, 9.30am (26 Dec - 15 Jan only), 3.30pm & 6pm 8am, 3.30pm & 5pm Season May & Oct Nov - Apr May & Oct Nov - Mar Apr JUNE, JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER From Bluff 9.30am 4.30pm Tue, Wed & Sat Daily From Stewart Island 8am 3pm Mon - Sat Tue, Wed, Sat & Sun During NZ school holidays kids go free on selected ferry departures Note: Wheelchair access is available Luggage is limited to two bags per person, one stowed and one small carry on Departures are weather and sea condition dependent 3
Coach Connections Famous South Sea Hotel Stewart Island Experience offers convenient coach connections to Bluff from Invercargill, Te Anau and Queenstown. Vehicle parking is available at Bluff for those visitors travelling independently. Invercargill Coach > Pick-ups and drop-offs are available from i-site Visitor Centres, Tuatara backpackers and Invercargill Airport Te Anau & Queenstown Coach > Coach connections depart daily (Nov - Apr) from Real Journeys Visitor Centres in Queenstown - Steamer Wharf or Te Anau - Lakefront Drive Bluff Vehicle Parking > Vehicle storage is available in the parking area adjacent to our Bluff Visitor Terminal. Pre-booking recommended Stewart Island Coach Transfers > At Stewart Island our mini-bus transfers provide convenient connections between the ferry terminal and local accommodation Departs Season Invercargill - Stewart Island Pick up one hour prior to ferry departing Bluff Invercargill - Stewart Island Drop off 45mins after ferry arrival in Bluff Te Anau - Stewart Island 7am Stewart Island - Te Anau 8am Queenstown - Stewart Island 6.40am Stewart Island - Queenstown 8am Nov Apr Nov Apr Nov Apr Nov Apr Check in 20 minutes prior to departure 5
Paterson Inlet Cruises Enjoy a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet and a guided walk in Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary. This cruise showcases some stunning scenery, hidden coves and unspoilt beaches. Your guide is passionate about this area and provides informative commentary along the way. The island is home to weka (native woodhen), bush robins, rare saddlebacks and yellowheads amongst other species. It is also a protected habitat for some of New Zealand s rarest plant species. 2hrs 30mins Tour Duratio n Departs Returns Season 12.45pm 3.15pm Nov - Apr Check in 20 minutes prior to departure Get close to wildlife > Cruise on a modern, comfortable catamaran > Wildlife viewing a highlight > 45 minute guided bush walk > Local Nature Guide provides interesting commentary > Delicious picnic lunches available (please pre-order prior to travel) 7
Village and Bays Tours A wonderful place to get away from it all! 1hr 30mins Tour Duration Nestled in native bush, the lodge offers comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation. Explore Oban village and its surrounding bays on a modern minibus with a local guide. Unspoiled, incredibly beautiful, and steeped in stories, Stewart Island is well worth this informative introduction. You will have plenty of time to get off the bus for photo stops and short walks along the way. Highlights include > A visit to the gateway to Rakiura National Park at Lee Bay > Beautiful Horseshoe Bay > Observation Rock with its stunning views of Paterson Inlet Located just five minutes walk from the village centre, the Lodge is private and secluded with all day sun and commanding views down across Halfmoon Bay and Foveaux Strait. The Lodge has an extensive garden - home to many native birds, including kaka (native parrots), which may be viewed from the terrace.» 6 king or twin bedrooms, all with ensuites» Communal guest lounge with great views» Continental breakfast provisions included» Complimentary pick-up from ferry or flight depot» TVs in all rooms» Tea / coffee making facilities available in-room Departs Returns Season 11am 12.30pm All Year 1pm 2.30pm 4pm 5.30pm Nov - Apr Check in 20 minutes prior to departure Open September - May Check in 12noon, check out 10am Note: At other times of the year Stewart Island Lodge is available for group bookings, please enquire. 14 Nichol Road, Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island, New Zealand 9
Guided Walks $5 per guided walker is donated to Stewart Island Rakiura Community & Environment Trust Join a small group on a two hour guided walk and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Stewart Island. > Small groups (8 per guide) > Specialist Nature Guide > See native birds and plants > Learn about preserving wildlife species Departs Returns Season 8am 6pm 10am 8pm Nov - Apr Check in 20 minutes prior to departure Note: Minimum age 14 years, and minimum numbers apply (4 adults) Rental Services Taking the time to explore Stewart Island s secluded beaches and bush walks on your own is a rewarding experience. With less than 30km of sealed roads on the entire Island there s minimal traffic and it s difficult to get lost. Available for hire and's l a e Z w e N See irds! native b > Small cars > Motor scooters > Mountain bikes Collect from our Visitor Centre, and talk to our local staff for some great suggestions about the best places to visit. 11
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