Winter on the Island? Yes, Please!

An aurora over Paterson Inlet © H Darling

It seems counter-intuitive to think of traveling south in the winter, but Stewart Island is the exception (in our very biased view).  Here are five of our favourite reasons for an out-of-peak season visit:

1.        Golden, moody, soft light. Winter light is the stuff of landscape photographer’s dreams.  With the sun lower in the sky there is the potential for rays casting long shadows over beach scenes, forest and rocky headlands.  Capture something less ordinary.

2.        Night skies that are uncontaminated by big city lights.  The longer nights of winter equates to more opportunities for celestial wonder and potentially aurora activity.  One of the best things about the longer nights? Night sky adventures can happen earlier in the evening so that you can be snuggled under a cosy duvet … before midnight.

3.        Morning coffee with the locals in the bustling South Sea Hotel café and restaurant.  Linger over a delicious coffee, steaming cheese rolls (these really have to be tasted to be believed – how can something so simple be, well, so divine?) and take in the vibe of island life.  Not everyone gets to experience something so authentic and honest. 

4.        Kiwi and Ulva Island.  Just because the crowds aren’t here doesn’t mean the Stewart Island Tokoeka (Kiwi) aren’t.  Try your luck at kiwi spotting by yourself (red light torch required!) or with an organized tour on Rakiura or enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a trip to Ulva Island.

5.        Pub quiz: got a brain full of unconventional knowledge, weird and wonderful facts and figures?  Join in the South Sea Hotel quiz!  Every Sunday night locals and visitors congregate in the bar to try and prove their skills; and while only one team can be a winner everyone who takes part wins by having fun and a lot of laughs

The weather from May through to August is relatively stable with less rainfall than September and October and with lows of 3°C-5°C and highs around 9°C - 13°C. 

The best clothes to bring are those that can be layered for warmth (and, of course, a good waterproof coat).