3 Best Sights in Otago, Invercargill, and Stewart Island, New Zealand

A Local's Tail is a quirky 40-minute movie about life on Stewart Island as told by Lola the dog. At three screenings most days (11 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm from October to April) in this neat 53-seater cinema, you'll be introduced to local characters and learn about island living. Write a review on the blackboard, pose for a photo with Lola herself, and perhaps add your name to the rogues gallery of moviegoers past. Additional screening times can be arranged for groups. On some weekend evenings classic old movies are shown. Be sure to grab a bucket of popcorn from the foyer.

This charmingly eclectic and extensive collection telling the island's history includes Māori artifacts, ambergris, old schoolhouse memorabilia, tools from gold and tinning prospectors, even a china "moustache cup" (there's a story behind every item). Scattered amongst the exhibits here you'll find an extensive collection of shells and crustacea from around the island. Superb historical photos reveal past endeavors. However, it's only open from 10 to 3, albeit daily.

Let 265 km (164 miles) of trail unfurl at your feet into pure wilderness when you enter Rakiura National Park: the rest of the world is indeed far removed. Even the most adventurous travelers are liable to experience a growing feeling of utter isolation as they go about exploring the lush, bush-clad hills, sand dunes, unspoiled inlets, and beaches strewn with driftwood. Since spring 2002, about 85% of Stewart Island has been designated as the national park. Memorable hikes include the three-day Rakiura Track and the challenging 11-day Northern Circuit. A popular adventure is taking a water taxi to the trailhead at Freshwater Creek, on the east side of the island, and walking across to the West Coast's amazing Mason Bay Beach, where you can arrange to have a plane pick you up. It takes close to three hours to walk to the end of the beach; along the way you'll find one of the best places to spot a few of the island's 20,000 kiwi birds. They especially come out in late evening.