Stewart Island - A scenic and nature-friendly holiday destination in New Zealand

Posted on: May 22, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Stewart Island - A scenic and nature-friendly holiday destination in New Zealand

You may stumble across many options when looking for an offbeat international holiday destination, but very few would be as majestic as Stewart Island. This island, located at the southern tip of New Zealand, is small yet diverse, with many attractions on offer. From stunning nature trails to authentic fishing trips, you can try them all when you go on a holiday with your family to Stewart Island. Explore this article to learn more about this wonderful travel destination where you can have a thrilling time with your family.

Location

Stewart Island is located at the southernmost tip of New Zealand, below the South Island. It is a very small island, with an area of 1,747.72 square km. Under 500 people officially live on this island, and over 85% of the island is protected. This makes Steward Island one of the most unexplored places in the world, where nature is unperturbed, and you get to experience a calm and serene ambiance at every step.

Access

Stewart Island can be accessed by flight or ferry. Here’s a detailed lowdown:

1. By ferry

Ferry rides are available from Bluff. You can take a ferry from Bluff and travel through the Foveaux Strait to reach Stewart Island in about an hour. You can also take your car on the ferry to make for easy navigation on the island. However, cars are not permitted on the ferry during the summer months, so find out more about this once your travel dates are finalised. The ferry ride is beautiful, and you get to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells as you approach this beautiful island. The ferry is operated by Stewart Island Experience and is very reliable. Like your international travel insurance plan, you can also book your tickets online and get some excellent deals.

2. By flight

The other option you have is to reach the island by air. You can fly aboard a beautiful, mini aircraft and take a picturesque 20-minute flight from Invercargill to Stewart Island. The plane has only 12 seats and offers a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings. It is a thrilling experience to fly into Stewart Island, and the children, especially, love this ride a lot. You must, however, book the flight well in advance, as the tickets are few and get sold out quite quickly.

Things to do

You will never have a shortage of things to do in Stewart Island. Some of the most sought-after attractions here include:

1. Bird watching

Stewart Island is home to some of the most beautiful birds in the world. Apart from its inherent bird population, the island also witnesses a large swarm of migratory birds coming in at different times of the year. Bird-watching is one of the main attractions of Stewart Island, with nature enthusiasts from the world over flying in to witness the colourful creatures.

2. Fishing

You can go on fishing trips when you visit Stewart Island, and that is one of the most enjoyable and family-friendly activities to try out. You get to fish via the traditional methods. These trips are exciting and educational, and you come back with a bagful of memories.

3. Going on nature walks

You can trek across the entire island, as most of the terrain is accessible only on foot. From walking through thick forests to exploring the long coastline, you will always find new routes to explore on Stewart Island. Hence, remember to pack some sturdy walking shoes, as you will need them a lot when you visit Stewart Island!

4. Enjoying the ocean

With an envious coastline, Stewart Island has some of the most gorgeous beaches. Lounge by the sea, take a dip in the blue waters or simply admire the sunsets with your loved ones. If you like a beach holiday, Stewart Island won't disappoint you.

5. Experiencing the Southern Lights

You may have heard about the Northern Lights, but have you ever heard of the Southern Lights? Aurora Australis, also known as the Southern Lights, is a phenomenon you can experience from Stewart Island. This is an enchanting experience that you must not miss when you visit this part of the world.

As you can see, Stewart Island has a plethora of attractions on offer. Visit this beautiful place with your family and have a truly unforgettable holiday.

Where to stay?

Since Stewart Island is largely a protected area, you do not find a lot of fancy hotels and resorts here. However, some stunning properties allow you to have the most memorable and comfortable stay. Your best options include:

1. Hotels

There are only a handful of hotels in Stewart Island, but you can find some beautiful properties that offer safe, comfortable and homely stay options.

2. Resorts

You will also find a few sea-facing resorts on Stewart Island. These are beautiful accommodation options where you get many luxurious facilities and also get your food and beverages included.

3. Holiday homes

You can rent a holiday home on Stewart Island. This gives you greater flexibility, and you get to stay in a comfortable, home-like setting.

Food options

Most hotels have all-inclusive packages with meals included. This makes it easy for you, as you won't find a lot of restaurants and cafes on Stewart Island. There are some restaurants, but most of them are attached to hotels. If you rent a holiday home and have access to a kitchen, you can buy some groceries from the supermarket and prepare a meal for yourself, though you must be informed that supermarkets are quite scarce on this tiny island.

If you have food restrictions or need to stick to a vegetarian diet, you must speak to your hotel in advance to check their food options. Otherwise, you can carry some dry snacks with you and rely on the fruits and beverages available in your hotel.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Trip

1. Low crime rate

The crime rate is very low in Stewart Island. Hence, you don't have to worry about the safety of yourself and your loved ones when travelling to this place. However, always follow the rules and laws and stick to the guidelines when you visit tourist attractions.

2. Have an itinerary

You will have a lot to see and do in Stewart Island, so it helps to have a properly chalked out trip plan. Include all the places you wish to see and stick to your plan as this will help you to maximise your time.

3. Book in advance

Complete all the reservations well in advance to avoid any last-minute disappointments. From air tickets to ferry rides, from hotel reservations to fishing trips, ensure all the bookings are done beforehand.

4. Get travel insurance

You must get a very good travel insurance plan to stay secure at all times. Travel insurance will offer protection against perils such as lost luggage, health issues and so on.

Conclusion

Whether you are planning to go on an exclusive holiday to Stewart Island or you want to combine a trip to this destination with a longer New Zealand vacation, ensure you explore this gorgeous place. It has a lot to offer. It is quiet and peaceful and allows you to come closer to nature like never before. Get your reservations done, buy a multi-trip travel insurance policy, create the best itinerary and get going!

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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