Booking with a responsible tour operator to see them is a must — No deposit bonus New Zealand and in the case of Black Cat Cruises (blackcat.co.nz), it’s clear from the get-go what they’re doing to protect this vulnerable species. Arguably one of the country’s most picturesque marine sanctuaries, Te Whanganui-a-Hei protects 9sq km of water in Mercury Bay. The best way to get a glimpse of them is on a Kāpiti Island Eco sea kayaking tour (kapitiislandeco.co.nz). Though the emphasis tends to be on what’s on land, keep an eye out for what’s below to see fur seals at play, massive eagle rays gliding and if the season is right, orcas looking for food.

South Sea Hotel owner Helen Cave said her 60-bed complex had had no income for nearly two months. The past two months had been spent looking at ways to mitigate the effects on the business. While it was almost ‘‘business as usual’’ for them, it was not the same for most of the island. Everyone had been brainstorming ways to encourage more domestic travel to the island.

Free Things to Do on Stewart Island / Rakiura

However, with present growth partly driven by pent-up demand, she doesn’t know whether it will be sustainable long term. All prices include crew, catering (exclusive of alcohol), bedding and the use of all recreational equipment onboard. Stewart Island has over 245 km of walking tracks, including the famous Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. You can reach Stewart Island by ferry from Bluff, which takes about an hour, or by a 20-minute flight from Invercargill.

To get to the submerged reef, you’ll need a boat, with operators such as the family-owned Beachcomber Water Taxis (beachcombercruises.co.nz) offering private charters for scuba divers keen to investigate the reef systems. There is no schedule or set itinerary as every charter is as different as the people on board. M.V. Flightless is based in the coastal waters of Fiordland and Stewart Island beyond the Southern Alps of New Zealand. The quaint township of Te Anau (Fiordland) or Bluff (Stewart Island) is where it all starts. Here, amidst the lush native forest of towering rimu and totara, visitors can experience nature at its finest.

They also need to have the support of local communities — including tour operators — to be successful. Done right, a visit to one of these marine sanctuaries will grant insight into the life below and even serve to inspire a new generation of ocean advocates. Local tour operator Chaddy’s Charters (chaddyscharters.co.nz) takes visitors out to explore the islands, including the northernmost colony of fur seals.

But this is just a small part of the larger protected marine area — it adjoins with the 1404-hectare Tapuae Marine Reserve. Whether you’re planning an immersive guided tour or prefer exploring independently, our comprehensive guide is designed to equip you with expert insights, insider tips, and practical travel advice. Here, you’ll find detailed information on the best tours, activities, and experiences that showcase the very essence of Stewart Island.

Can I rent a car or bike on Stewart Island?

• Holmes, a moderator of Te Anau’s job board, says there are signs the shortage is easing with more people seeking work on the Facebook page than applying for jobs posted.
• Mark Frood, the general manager of Southland regional development agency Great South Tourism and Events, says the word in the sector is that the independent-traveller and high-end tour group markets are strong.
• Encounters with New Zealand Sea Lions, Fur Seals, and camouflaged octopuses add to the thrill of the experience.
• The past two months had been spent looking at ways to mitigate the effects on the business.
• The quaint township of Te Anau (Fiordland) or Bluff (Stewart Island) is where it all starts.
• Kāpiti Island is a predator-free nature reserve surrounded by the Kāpiti Marine Reserve, which links to the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve on the adjacent mainland shore.

Among the underwater arches and caves, today you’ll find snapper in greater abundance and size than in non-reserve areas, and more species diversity than in the nearby Bay of Islands. The island’s untouched landscapes, from dense forests and rugged coastline to golden sandy beaches, make it a haven for marine and bird life, ideal for travellers who cherish nature and wildlife. Akaroa’s Marine Reserve is probably best known for its population of Hector’s dolphins, which are the rarest marine dolphins in the world.

Ulva Island is considered the “jewel in the crown” in Rakiura Stewart Island area, but the surrounding waters should be just as treasured. An ancient river valley (or “ria”) that’s been submerged, the 1075ha marine reserve is an important nursery for 50 species of fish and home to brachiopods, penguins, sharks and octopus. Kāpiti Island is a predator-free nature reserve surrounded by the Kāpiti Marine Reserve, which links to the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve on the adjacent mainland shore. The result is a rare continuum of protected land and sea, where fish and birds alike can be found in abundance.