Best time to visit Stewart Island

Kororā - Little Blue Penguins © Helen Darling

Honestly? The best time to visit is whenever you can.

1.       Summer: (December-February). The longer days and warmer weather make it a perfect time of year for hiking, diving, snorkelling, fishing, birdwatching and just watching boats bob around in the bay. It is the busiest time of year on the island so plan ahead and book accommodation and activities. If you are heading out on a kiwi spotting tour be prepared for a late night as it doesn’t get dark until quite late. But, that’s ok… plan a quieter day for the next day.

2.        Autumn  (March - May). March is traditionally a busy month, things are starting to quieten down a little as autumn rolls on. The weather is often mild, skies are clear and there is plenty to do. Hire an electric bike from the Green Shed and head out to Lee Bay for a picnic or get up early for a spectacular sun-rise.

3.        Winter  (June-August) Long nights are welcome because they bring the best star-gazing opportunities and without the bitter cold of Central Otago or the McKenzie Country. The island is a Dark Sky Sanctuary so there is a good opportunity to capture the milky way, an aurora or Matariki. The weather in winter is surprisingly mild, the odd frost but generally calm days. Things are quiet in winter (but not for kiwi) so make sure to book your accommodation and activities ahead of time (services can be limited).

4.        Spring  (September - November) The fuchsia trees are coming alive bringing with them bellbirds, tui, kaka and kakariki (fun fact: of the 260 native tree species in New Zealand only 11 are truly deciduous). The island also stirs and comes alive for the annual Rakiura Challenge (usually the first weekend in October). There are plenty of activities for spring with most tour operators being back into full season mode. The number of ferry crossings and flights increases again at the start of October.

Don’t worry our birds don’t go on holiday… kiwi can be spotted all year round as can penguins, albatross, kaka, tui….