Hiking

Numerous day hikes on well-maintained trails are in and around the township. Free street maps are available at the Flight Centre–Post Office and Ferry Terminal; detailed maps and information are available at the Department of Conservation Office. Some walks, such as the Observation Rock and Fuchsia walks, are measured in minutes; others, such as the walks to Fern Gully, Ryan's Creek, and Horseshoe Point, are measured in hours.

For information on Rakiura National Park's walks, contact the Department of Conservation Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre in Oban.

Best Spots

Acker's Point. If you only have a few hours, the walk from town out to the Acker's Point lighthouse is marvelous and encompasses town, boat sheds, a historic homestead, lush forest, and ocean views. This is nesting ground for titi (sooty shearwaters or muttonbirds), and little blue (fairy) penguins, which can often be seen from the lookout, along with albatross and fishing boats.

North West Circuit. This 9- to 11-day walk from Halfmoon Bay circles the north coast and then cuts through the interior. If that's not enough for you, five days can be tacked on by including the Southern Circuit. Stewart Island's climate is notoriously changeable, so be prepared for sun, wind, rain, and lots of mud. Take the usual safety precautions for these hikes: bring suitable boots, clothing, food, and a portable stove. Complete an Outdoors Intentions form at www.adventuresmart.org.nz before setting out; and, ideally, bring along with you a locator beacon (available for hire from the Department of Conservation) or a guide who knows the trails. This hike may well reward you with a wild kiwi encounter.

Rakiura Track. One of New Zealand's great walks covers 32 km (19 miles) and takes three days. Day 1 goes from Halfmoon Bay to Port William Hut via Horseshoe and Lee bays. Day 2 heads inland through native bush and wood across the ridge, allowing for good views of Paterson Inlet and the Tin Range. Day 3 connects back to Halfmoon Bay via rimu and kamahi forest. Two huts on the route each accommodate up to 30 people on a first-come, first-served basis. They come with mattresses, a wood-burning stove, running water, and toilets. (If you're relatively fit and you leave early, you can do this track in one day, but you will be sore.)

Recommended Outfitters

Stewart Island Flights runs a flying, hiking, and boating adventure called Coast to Coast. For NZ$218 per person (with a three-person minimum) you can view the east and west coasts of the island, including Paterson Inlet and Mason Bay. The trip includes an easy four-hour hike on the North West Circuit and a water-taxi ride on the meandering Freshwater River. There's also an exciting plane landing on the beach and the chance to see kiwi birds. It's an interchangeable trip, so you can fly-hike-boat or boat-hike-fly.

Also consider Ulva's Guided Walks, with guided hikes focusing on the island's flora and fauna.

Kiwi Wilderness Walks. Get back to nature with a four- or five-day guided walk out in the Stewart Island bush. Highlights include Mason Bay with its staggering sand dune system; the possibility of seeing wild kiwi; historic Māori Beach, once the site of sawmills and a school in the early 1900s; and Port William's early sealing location. These tours depart from Invercargill. 021/359–592; www.nzwalk.com. From NZ$1,295.

Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience & Aihe Eco Charters & Water Taxi. Offerings include guided walks, sea kayaking, boat cruises, water taxi, road tours, shuttle services, and an outdoor adventure gear shop. Bed-and-breakfast backpacking trips are available, and you can take a half-day guided walk of Ulva Island or do an entire wilderness escape. The company also offers guided kayaking and boat and land tours.

There's a range of outdoor gear available for sale or hire, so you can leave bulky camping equipment at home. The company does all of its own bookings. 14 Main Rd., Stewart Island, Southland, 9846. 03/219–1066; www.ruggedyrange.com. From NZ$95.

Sails Tours. With 80 years combined island experience, let Peter and Iris Tait escort you around Ulva Island for a four-hour tour. Your unhurried sojourn begins on the Talisker, a 55-foot yacht that will take you across to Ulva Island ready to explore. Group sizes are small; courtesy transfers to and from your accommodation are included in the tariff. Or you can take a leisurely road tour and learn what island life is like (at a discounted rate if you book and pay for both tours). Accommodation on Stewart Island can also be arranged. 11 View St., Stewart Island, Southland, 9846. 0800/783–9278; 03/219–1151; www.sailsashore.co.nz. From NZ$175.