Stewart Island Car Tours: Your Guide to Top 5 Adventures

So, planning a visit to Stewart Island and thinking about checking out some of the scenery by car? Well, it might be slightly different than what you expect, and I’m saying that, it’s a real gem for the sort of traveler who wants to get away from well, the crowds and experience something that feels truly remote. I mean, sure, it is further south than the rest of New Zealand, the rugged landscapes are very special, and with a bit of preparation, exploring it by car can be incredibly rewarding.

1. Exploring Oban and Surrounds

First off, the biggest (and pretty much only) settlement on Stewart Island is Oban, right, and most of your car-based adventures will likely start here. Very likely the Golden Bay Rd loop, just near the township, will give you amazing scenery, and views from Observation Rock overlook Paterson Inlet. Very important: This isn’t exactly a high-speed joyride; many streets are gravel, rather windy and narrow, therefore watch out for pedestrians and the abundant birdlife. You are likely to notice native species just wander by in some spots.

Oh, by the way, if you feel that you like some culture and past histories too, take the chance to drop at the Stewart Island Museum, so you are almost getting a better feel for island living, fishing past times, and just generally, a look at days gone by.

2. Halfmoon Bay Habitat Exploration

Halfmoon Bay really is where the heart of Stewart Island activity exists. Okay, the good streets surrounding Halfmoon Bay may also easily be checked out by you by car, too, is that there’s also a relaxed atmosphere here with loads of beautiful vistas across the bay. Okay then, make sure you swing with the street following along Horseshoe Bay Rd . In that case, picture these idyllic places for the most stunning views.

Too it’s almost worth simply checking the availability with boat journeys at Halfmoon Bay. Right, with choices like bird-watching boat trips to see penguins and albatrosses around Ulva Island. Arguably the chance of a very fantastic scenic and wildlife trip is also something that might be something worth doing.

3. Explore Ackers Point Lighthouse

For sure you might be more thinking of that classic Kiwi photograph option with that cute-ish little lighthouse on that wild rugged coast. And that said, then take the little Ackers Point walk. Right, a short road, close to Oban will take your place to the trailhead. A little it is a little stroll takes place which will allow you beautiful views of that beacon, and there can always be, sometimes blue penguins are at the beaches!

I mean, if you have time that’s worth doing. Obviously, just plan to use an entire hour to simply enjoy things when your there. Arguably this provides you time to simply sit quietly at some stage for wildlife to start coming into view.

4. Lee Bay Scenic Reserve Drive

As a matter of fact slightly a bit out of the central location you’re in the city with Lee Bay Scenic Reserve providing a nice little trip outside with a pretty nice mix of native bush and beachfront vistas. Obviously there is only limited street to use to do there anyway so taking things slow might be of consideration to just enjoy every thing properly.

The thing is it is at Lee Bay that chain which marks where the southernmost point which is a iconic sign marking off the ending section Southern Scenic Route starts! Yet one small little bit which helps any images is to get which is for this location . Basically taking it all very slow and merely enjoying what the views from all of these small locations and perspectives bring.

5. Consider Ringaringa and Port William

Too it’s almost even further north by the island than Oban are Ringaringa and Port William is actually, and that said if we were checking them out so we ‘re definitely getting out to less checked by most travelers who visit Stewart Island. Well they aren’t linked to main network of road and these place will ask more with getting boat and going and on some of it more walking.Check more with guided walks of Northern areas.

Now, I should probably suggest to make certain about just the vehicle requirements as you make preparations. Very many from those streets with Stewart Island usually are unsealed. So definitely any compact vehicle often can feel only merely with all of its limit on this and getting one by having something high and powerful could work so much, and therefore often makes it much easier.