Despite being a Kiwi myself, I’d never met anyone who’d actually been to Stewart Island before my trip in 2018 with Stray. I knew very little about it - aside from the fact that you could go cage-diving with Great White Sharks! But now that I’ve experienced the magic of this place firsthand, I can confidently say there’s so much more to it than that.
Stewart Island is a nature lover’s dream. With 85% of the land protected as National Park, it’s a pristine paradise of untouched wilderness, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The native wildlife is abundant - penguins, seals, rare birds, and of course, the elusive Southern Brown Kiwi all call this remote island home.
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| The famous Oban sign at Stewart Island |
With fewer than 400 residents, Stewart Island feels like stepping back in time. The pace is slow, the air is fresh, and the night skies are among the clearest in Aotearoa. Our little group of Stray travellers soaked up the calm and charm of island life - and even though we only had one night, it was unforgettable.
Yes, the ferry from Bluff across the Foveaux Strait is a bit pricey… but believe me, it’s 100% worth budgeting for.
If you're short on time, here's how to make the most of 24 hours on New Zealand’s southernmost inhabited island:
24 hours on Stewart Island Itinerary
4:00 PM - Arrive at Bluff and check in for your 4:30 PM ferry with Stewart Island Experience.
Tip: The one-hour crossing can get very choppy, so if you’re prone to seasickness, be prepared. There’s a small bar onboard (cash only) if you want to brave it with a beer in hand.
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| Board the ferry to Stewart island |
5:30 PM -
Welcome to Stewart Island! Grab your bags and take the easy 10-minute walk into town. For budget-friendly accommodation, check in at
Stewart Island Backpackers - or opt for the
South Sea Hotel if you’re after something in the heart of Oban (book well in advance!).
6:00 PM - If you're not staying there, pop down to South Sea Hotel, New Zealand’s southernmost pub, for a pint with the locals and a hearty pub meal. It’s a great place to relax and take in the views over Halfmoon Bay.
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| The most southerly pub in New Zealand |
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| Enjoying a drink at the end of the day |
8:00 PM - Head out for a night walk and try your luck kiwi spotting! These elusive birds are nocturnal and can often be seen in the wild here - one of the only places in New Zealand where that’s possible. The locals say they’re everywhere - even in backyards.
The next morning
10:00 AM - Check out and leave your bags at your accommodation. Head to the Oban Visitor Centre near the ferry terminal to grab a map and rent a bike or hire a car for exploring (note: some of the roads are steep for hiking!).
10:30 AM - First stop: Lee Bay - the dramatic gateway to Rakiura National Park. Snap a photo at the iconic chain link sculpture and go for a short forest walk, or just breathe in that crisp sea air. Follow this up with a visit to Horseshoe Bay, one of the island’s most picturesque spots.
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| Lee Bay |
12:00 PM - Time for a bite! Options are limited, but the small Four Square supermarket has you covered with coffee, fresh sandwiches, and snacks to fuel the rest of your day.
12:30 PM - Drive or cycle to the end of Leask Bay Road and walk the Ackers Point Track - a 45-minute return walk to a scenic lighthouse with sweeping views across Foveaux Strait. The native bush and peaceful bays along the way are stunning.
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| Amazing views on a walk through the National Park |
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| Exploring the National Park |
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| The Lighthouse |
1:15 PM - Make the most of your final hour with a stop at Leask Bay (yes, there’s a rope swing!) and a quick visit to Golden Bay. For even more views, continue to the end of Ryans Creek Road.
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| Hanging out at the rope swing at Leask Bay |
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| Golden Bay, Stewart Island |
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| Enjoying the Golden Bay view |
2:15 PM - Head back to your accommodation, collect your bags and check in for your 3:00 PM ferry. There is a lounge upstairs at the terminal where you can chill until the boat departs.
3:00 PM - Farewell Stewart Island! As the ferry departs, take a moment to appreciate just how special this quiet corner of New Zealand is. You’ll be back at Bluff by 4:00 PM, no doubt on to the next adventure.
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| Sure do! |
Final Thoughts
Stewart Island is one of those places that sticks with you long after you leave. It’s wild, remote, and incredibly peaceful - exactly what you need if you're craving something off the beaten track.
If you have the time, I highly recommend spending more than just a night. Go fishing, take a guided trip to Ulva Island, or even tackle the 3-day Rakiura Track - one of NZ’s Great Walks.
But even in just 24 hours, you’ll feel the magic.
Happy Travels,
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