Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Far away on Stewart Island

Stewart Island, the anchor of New Zealand
New Zealand is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.  Some of the best hikes in all of New Zealand can be found on Steward Island, off of the South Island's southern tip.  According to Maori legend, the island (known to the Maori as Rakiura) acts as the anchor for the South Island.   It is one of New Zealand's most pristine locations to hike, in part because it's location puts it off-the-beaten-path for many tourists.  

What to Expect
Stewart Island, NZ, is accessible only by a one-hour ferry ride from the city of Bluff ($66NZ one way) or by plane to it's only city, Ovan.  There are a variety of hotels and hostels in and around to fit nearly any budget.  Nearly the entire population of Stewart Island (which is only 400 people) lives in Oban. Be sure to purchase supplies in Oban if you plan on doing any extended hiking, as it is the only place on the island where you can buy supplies.  In the winter, island virtually shuts down, so Stewart Island is best visited in the summer.

Stewart Island; isolated and beautiful
The main activities for visitors to the island are to hiking and camping.  Approximately 85% of the island is covered by national park, much of it accessible only by walking track.  From Oban, there are hiking routes and trails designed to take anywhere from five minutes to several weeks. The three-day Rauikura track is considered to be one of the best walks in all of New Zealand.  Information on the Raikura Track Great Walk and other trails can be found on the Department of Conservation website. The weather on Stewart Island is consistently wet, so be sure to pack rain gear for any length of walk. 

Just the Basics
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