Stewart Island Lodge | Best Birdwatching in New Zealand

Terrace View at Stewart Island Lodge, South Island

Suite at Stewart Island Lodge, South Island

View at Stewart Island Lodge, South Island

Stewart Island Lodge is exactly what this intriguingly isolated region of New Zealand needs; it’s quiet, calm, inviting and most importantly of all – perfectly placed to enjoy a privileged view of Halfmoon Bay.

Why you'll love it here

The lodge grounds are home to many native birds including the native parrot, the Kaka
Join Stewart Island's Wild Kiwi Encounter with an experienced nature guide to Ocean Beach where kiwi are often found feeding
Stewart Island was awarded Dark Sky Sanctuary accreditation providing outstanding sky quality for star-gazing
Over 85% of Stewart Island is National Park, it is New Zealand's third largest island with a population of only 400 people

Greig

Travel Specialist

01244 722 137

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect New Zealand holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

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Included in your holiday

Lounge passes and meet & greet service in UK airports
Transfers to and from your hotel

All flight luggage allowances
Personal concierge service

24/7 assistance when travelling
Full ATOL protection

Full accommodation information

Hotel information

Stewart Island is strewn 30km off the coast of New Zealand’s South Island, a secluded little oasis for birdlife and discerning visitors alike.

Lying in the small settlement of Halfmoon Bay, or Oban as it’s also known, Stewart Island Lodge offers pleasant accommodation with lovely sea views, outdoor terraces and a garden.

Guests can make use of the kitchen and lounge here too, so if you don’t feel like eating out then simply stay at the lodge and cook yourself up a feast using locally sourced produce.

The handful of guestrooms at Stewart Island Lodge are straightforward and homely, though certainly well-equipped, and in truth, the real highlights of staying here are of course the views and welcoming atmosphere, but also the birdwatching and other Stewart Island attractions that can all be enjoyed nearby.

Venture out on a hiking excursion, look out for Kiwi and other wonderful bird species both around the lodge and on Ulva Island, while at night, watch as the Aurora Australis light up the skies above; it’s no coincidence that the Maori named this island Rakiura – ‘the land of glowing skies’.

Facilities/Amenities

Guests of Stewart Island Lodge can relax in the shared lounge with views of the bay, and make use of the communal kitchen when required.

Activities & Entertainment

Visiting Stewart Island is a joy, with 85% of the 1,570sq km designated as Rakiura National Park, a beautiful natural wonderland where the Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka) thrive – their population is much greater than that of humans in the region! See them and other fascinating creatures in their natural habitat by hiking some of the 280km of trails on Stewart Island, perhaps encountering Blue or Yellow-eyed Penguins along the way. In fact, the island is a mecca for birdwatchers who come to spot species such as the Albatross, Mollymawk, Prion, Petrel, Cormorant and Sooty Shearwater, to name a few. One of the best places to catch sight of them is on Ulva Island nearby, where birds flourish due to a natural lack of predators.

New Zealand travel information

When to visit New Zealand

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Time zone: +13 GMT
Flight time: 25 hours
Recommended airlines: Air New Zealand, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airlines
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Tipping guideline: Optional, but not expected
Health considerations: No major health risks.

Capital: Wellington
Population: 5,269,938
National languages: English, Maori
Electricity and plugs: Type I (V), 230V
Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
UK passport visa requirements: You need an ETA for New Zealand if you have a British passport - apply online

Want to know more?

Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our New-zealand experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.

Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm

Saturday: 9am - 5pm

Sunday: 10am - 4pm

Greig

Travel Specialist

01244 722 137

Not sure where to stay in South Island? I'm here to help. Give me a call and I'll share my first-hand insights to find your perfect spot.

Enquire

New Zealand travel guides

Want some more help planning your holiday to New Zealand? Read our expert guides to find out everything you need to know about where to stay, dine and explore on your Inspiring Travel escape.