Stewart Island's iconic South Sea Hotel is located on the foreshore, in the centre of town. It is 2 minutes’ walk from the ferry and airline terminals.
With sea views, Church Hill Boutique Lodge & Restaurant is located in Half-moon Bay and has a restaurant, free shuttle service, bar, garden and terrace.
Nestled amongst peaceful native bushland, Kaka Retreat Motel, Stewart Island offers spacious modern suites with kitchenette, flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi.
Virginia
Australia
So spacious, clean and cosy. Had everything I needed plus extras, like a torch for kiwi walking at night. Bed was very comfortable and warm. Unit was close to everything, and they did a pick up from the ferry. To be fair the hill to the unit was steep, but I loved it , would highly recommend.
With panoramic views of the Tasman Sea, The Bay Motel overlooks Halfmoon Bay on Stewart Island. It features a nearby golf course, a free shuttle service and free private parking on site.
We took our push bikes so getting around was very easy.
We took our push bikes so getting around was very easy. Luckily the weather was perfect. Still a little chilly at night but beautiful sunny days. We went as far as the road would go in every direction and found stunning sandy beaches along the way. Basic meals at the pub were reasonably priced just watch out for the specials make sure they tell you the price before committing to the order ( $70 lobster tail ) apparently was delicious !! Not many food outlet options. Four square was surprisingly well priced for everyday items they had a bit of everything and the staff were super happy upbeat and friendly.
Loren
New Zealand
10
Scored 10
We stayed 4 nights and it was perfect amount of time for us.
We stayed 4 nights and it was perfect amount of time for us. We walked the Rakiura track in one day, it is a long walk for one day, but doable if you are fit. We hired e-bikes the next day, and explored Ackers Point, Ringaringa, beach, and that area. Later we walked out to Dead Mans Bay for a swim, it was Labour weekend, so freezing cold. The following day we spent the morning at Ulva Island, allow a good 3+ hours for this. We went out Kiwi spotting at night, we didn't see any Kiwi, but others did, however we did get great photos of the Aurora Australis.
We spent time doing other walks, including Horseshoe Point track, and visited the Moturau Moana Gardens which are lovely.
We also enjoyed the quiz on Sunday night at the Pub.
Stewart Island was a great place to visit for walking, bird spotting, fur seals, and penguins etc. It is a great place for fishing, diving, snorkeling, and swimming in warmer months.
The people are friendly and relaxed. Lots of good places to eat, The Snuggery and The old Butchery ae both cafe's with good coffee and food, The Kai Cart for great takeaways - blue cod and chips anyone! And the pub for big breakfasts, lunches and dinner.
Highly recommend you visit the Island.
Natalie
New Zealand
10
Scored 10
The Oban township at Half Moon Bay is small and friendly -...
The Oban township at Half Moon Bay is small and friendly - one shop/supermarket, 2 coffee shops, one pub/hotel plus quite a few other accommodation options. Two good swimming beaches within easy walking distance and others further out. Interesting and well-maintained bush tracks for day walks as well as the longer tramping tracks around the island. Lots of birds and birdsong everywhere and the possibilty of seeing kiwis in the wild if you're lucky.
Ulva island in Patterson Inlet is a predator free area with lots of native birds and a great day out either by joining a tour from Half Moon Bay or walking over the hill to the public ferry service.
Michael
United Kingdom
10
Scored 10
A great backpackers - the single room was absolutely fine...
A great backpackers - the single room was absolutely fine and the hotel restaurant was outstanding.
It was my birthday(!), so I had the Blue Cod special, which was absolutely delicious! Highly recommended (but make sure to book the restaurant in advance, as it is very popular for obvious reasons!)
dsmay
New Zealand
8.0
Scored 8.0
Easy to get to from Southland (air or sea)
Easy to get to from Southland (air or sea)
The trails are just great: well maintained. —- there are trails to suit all levels of walking/tramping.
Local shops include: supermarket, bar, coffee shops, etc
The locals (& visitors) so friendly & helpfull.
The beaches are also are “sight to see”
I plan to follow the set of trails that takes one’ around the circumference of the Island 👊
angelo
Australia
10
Scored 10
It's not based around retail shopping so don't expect to...
It's not based around retail shopping so don't expect to find a lot of shops but there is everything you need. The Kai Kart was amazing for dinner with huge servings and most things cost the same we would expect to pay anywhere which was a surprise. There were so many walks nearby that we were kept very busy. We were there 3 nights and think we will be back soon to look around a bit more and try to do the Rakiura trail in a day.
The owners, Deanne and Chris, were wonderful hosts. The lodge has 3 modern and spacious cottages with view of the harbor. They were well furnished, clean, and our bed was very comfortable. The water pressure of the shower was one of the best ever encountered in a hotel on our many travels. We had 3 dinners at the lodge and they were excellent and beautifully presented.
Host picked us up at ferry, and we could check in even at 11am. The day we left, they kept our bags for the day, then took them to the ferry for our 3:30 departure. Service above and beyond!
It is a short walk up the hill to the hotel, but very pretty. (I’m glad we didn’t have to do it with our luggage!). The hosts are wonderful and the stay was awesome!
This small boutique hotel is a gem. Sat just above the bay great views from our room and a very short walk to the harbour and facilities. The owners Deanne and Chris really looked after us and the food was exceptional. A welcoming Alfie the dog was just an extra bonus!
We were met from the boat and taken to the hotel so we didn't have to find it or lug our bags up the hill. The location was great for going to other parts of the island. The room opened onto a verandah with table and chairs so we could sit outside on a sunny evening.
Jimmy was a lovely, easy going host who made us feel very at home. Picked us up and dropped us off at the ferry. Comfy bed. Nice breakfast with lovely views from the deck. Even got 3 eggs but limited to 2 at South Sea Hotel!!! Friendly atmosphere. Would recommend!
Excellent place to stay. Jimmy is a wonderful host and his home is spotlessly clean and very comfortable. There are only two rooms available so a much nicer experience than a hotel. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again when I next visit Stewart Island.
Great location next to town in Half-Moon Bay. Organizing pick-up from the wharf was a breeze, and I felt very welcome during my stay. The hotel manager even gave me a drying rack when I realized half of my clothes were still wet from the week before.
Only 2-3 blocks to ferry terminal and "down town". Hotel sits up the hill - walkable, but it was nice to be offered the ride by the hotel. Room was clean and comfortable. Wish we could have stayed longer. Would definitely stay here again.
Very nicely thought out amenities for a backpacker hotel. I had a single room which was just a bed. It was a nice way to experience the shared facilities as a solo traveler. I made a homemade meal to get a break from all restaurant food.
From the minute Peter picked us up at the ferry, he and Iris were ultimate hosts. Kowhai Lodge is welcoming, fully stocked (even a bowl of apples for the parrots) and you could not ask for better accommodations. Thank you Iris and Peter!
Great hotel with comfy beds, really good food and the staff were awesome! The central location (next to the airport shuttle drop off and the shops) made everything easy.
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