Getting to Stewart Island
Rakiura Stewart Island is New Zealand’s southern most inhabited island. Getting to the island can add to your overall experience; here are three suggested itineraries.
Catlins’ Coastal Route
The Southern Scenic Route meanders from Balclutha to Invercargill and along the way it takes in spectacular native forest and sweeping coastal views.
Crossing the mighty Matu-Au, Clutha River in Balclutha you veer towards the coast. Initially the journey is through picturesque farmland before, just after the small town of Owaka you skirt the Catlins River and wind your way up through native forest towards the seaside town of Papatowai. Here you can stop for a dellcious snack at Peakes Kitchen before climbing further. Just after the crest of the hill is the Florence Hill lookout, a stunning expansive view over the Tautuku beach and peninsular. The road drops down to near sea level where it is lined by tall podocarp forests. A parking area lets visitors stop for another chance to stretch their legs and to take in the beauty of Lake Wilkie, come in the summer time and you will see the brilliant red of the rata trees reflected in the lake. Back in the vehicle and onwards towards Curio Bay, a place where the rare and endangered Hectors Dolphins can often been seen frolicking in the waves. The road then veers inland, again through farmland before reaching Fortrose - another seaside village. Traveling alongside the Mataura River you will notice the tiny huts used by whitebaiters during the whitebait season. Arriving in Invercargill it is either a five minute drive to the airport and your flight to Rakiura Stewart Island or a further 20 minute drive to Bluff and your ferry journey across the Foveaux Strait.
The view from Florence Hill Lookout, photo credit: Liz Carlson
South from Queenstown
After crossing the Kawarau River at Frankton your journey takes you past the turnoff for the famous Remarkable Ski-field, past Jacks Point and onto the breathtaking Devils Staircase. It is here that you will have stunning views across Lake Wakatipu. This road is narrow in places so make sure you only stop at the designated parking spaces - these stops are well worth-while. The road continues alongside the Lake until you reach Kingston, a sleepy little town at the end of the lake: far smaller and quieter than Queenstown. It is possible to refuel here and grab a pie before getting back on the road. If you are ready for a coffee then stop in Garston at the famous “Coffee Bomb” - a retro caravan that makes a mean espresso. After Garston you will come to the small town of Athol, a fly-fishing haven and also the home of the Athol Art Gallery who stock some of the southern regions best known artists. The journey is now largely through rural towns and countryside, a hunger busting toasted sandwich can be bought in Lumsden and from there its not far to Invercargill. Entering the town from the North it is at least fifteen minutes to the airport and around 40 minutes to the ferry terminal in Bluff.
Stirling Point, photo credit Chris McLennan
Te Anau Tripping
Te Anau, with its sweeping vistas and sleepy nature is a perfect place to get you in the mood for the island. From Te Anau there are two options. The first of which takes you past red tussock hills, the township of Mossburn and, straight after crossing the Oreti River, joins up with the route from Queenstown.
The road less traveled takes you from Te Anau south to the township of Manapouri. If you have time it is worth stopping by the Waiau River for a walk (and to perhaps imagine it’s role in the Lord of the Rings). The road traverses farmland until you reach the infamous “sausage capital of New Zealand.” From Tuatapere the road heads to the coast. Take a few minutes to walk on Gemstone Beach before getting back on the road. Orepuki (another fabulous beach and place to stretch your legs) is just before the quaint seaside village of Riverton where you can find cafes and quirky shops. After about twenty minutes the road from Riverton connects with the route from Queenstown.
Gemstone Beach, photo credit Liz Carlson
