4 Days Stewart Island Explorer 2021
Special from October 2021 – December 2021
OVERVIEW
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Bluff to Stewart Island
Your journey starts in Bluff where you will board the Ferry to Stewart Island*. Experience Foveaux Strait onboard an express catamaran. During the one-hour crossing on the Stewart Island Ferry between Bluff and Oban keep a lookout for wildlife, especially seabirds. Comprehensive commentaries provide information on the interesting landmarks commonly seen, including Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, the Titi Islands and Mt Anglem – Stewart Island’s highest point. After crossing Foveaux Strait and arriving at Oban – the main settlement on Stewart Island you will be transferred to the Bay Motel.
Day 2 Ulva Island Tour & Night time Kiwi Spotting Tour
Ulva Island (Te Wharawhara), is renowned for its diverse and abundant birdlife with a forest dominated by Rimu, Southern Rata and Kamahi, surrounded by marine reserve. It was visited by Ngai Tahu Maori as part of their food gathering trips and in the 1890s it became one of New Zealand’s first reserves. This 267 hectare island is now predator free, allowing the bird and plant life to thrive. Today you will be guided by a Stewart Island local, who has the knowledge and know how to take you through Ulva Island. You will be transferred to Ulva Island by water taxi before having an informative and interesting walk on this unique island. Returning to the motel around midday where you have the rest of the afternoon to relax and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.
This evening we are in for a real treat with a night time Kiwi Spotting Tour. You have the ultimately special opportunity to experience kiwi in their natural environment. (weather dependent).
Day 3 Free day to explore – optional activities (fishing, bush walks, kayaking)
Today is yours to enjoy how you see fit. You could visit the museum, walk the short tracks, stroll around the bush clad streets – so much to see. Get on a bike – push yourself or grab an electric one. Great beaches to explore and a cool way to get there. Create your own pendant out of pounamu (greenstone) with Dave at Rakiura Jade. Hire a kayak and explore the bays in this pristine natures playground.
Day 4 Stewart Island to Bluff
Today it is time to depart this paradise island and return to real life. Board the catamaran and enjoy the cruise across the Straight to Bluff.
BAY MOTEL STEWART ISLAND
The Bay Motel is centrally located and features amazing views over Halfmoon Bay and/or the surrounding native bush. Other features include a fully equipped kitchenette, central heating, electric blankets, comfortable beds plus complimentary tea/coffee along with free WiFi – all designed to make your stay on the Stewart Island as comfortable as possible. They offer a range of rooms – from standard studios with and without spa to one and two bedroom apartments for the whole family. They also have wheelchair friendly units available.
Additional amenities:
– Guest laundry – Sheltered shared courtyard
– Freezer storage – Courtesy transfers
– BBQ facilities – Continental breakfast
– Portacot and highchair – Free Wifi
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- 3 nights accommodation at Bay Motel
- Continetal Breakfast daily
- Return Ferry Bluff – Stewart Island – Bluff
- Ulva Island Guided Tour incl. Water Taxi
- Night time Kiwi Spotting
- DOC Concessions where applicable
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
Domestic Air Fares, Additional /Optional Tour Costs, Sightseeing/Meals not stated in Itinerary
TOUR PRICE
$790.00 Per Person on a Share Twin Basis – Single Supplement $ 270 per person
Valid for departures from 01 April until 30 September 2021 – minimum 2 passengers
PAYMENTS & CONDITIONS
A non-refundable deposit of $200 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the package price is required 45 days prior to your travel date. If you book inside 45 days , full payment will be required at the time of booking. Payment can be made by bank transfer.
Cancellations within 14 days of departures will incur a 100% cancellation charge.
Terra Nova Tours recommends purchasing travel insurance, even when travelling within New Zealand.
OPTIONALS
Visit the museum – a real insight into the history of the island and the people that settled here
Walk the short tracks, stroll around the bush clad streets – so much to see
Get on a bike – push yourself or grab an electric one
Create your own pendant out of pounamu (greenstone) with Dave at Rakiura Jade
Watch A Local’s Tail Trailer, screening every day at 11am, 2pm & 4pm in the Bunkhouse Theatre
Hire a kayak and explore the bays in this pristine natures playground
Birdwatching – the Island is your paradise. Kiwi, Tui, Saddlebacks …
Boating and Fishing – For all you water lovers – go fishing for Blue Cod, kayak the beautiful coastline or cruise the Paterson Inlet
Aurora Hunting and winter guests – Stewart Island is an ideal place to view the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights)
Beaches enjoy some of the most stunning beaches in New Zealand
Lastly – if you need to get away from it all. Stewart Island is the best place to come. Arrive, relax , recover….
