Things to do in Stewart Island & Outer Islands
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Kai Kart
Owned by a mussel farmer, the seafood at this tiny caravan of cuisine is exceptionally fresh. The sweet-as-sweet blue cod could be the best fish you’ll ever have, and the mussels with spicy satay sauce aren’t far behind. Park yourself in an interior booth, grab an outside table, or eat your goodies on the beach. Don’t blame us if you’ve finished them before you get there.
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Perfect Dinner
Relocated from Germany to the southern ocean, Annett Eiselt specialises in ‘moveable feasts’. That means she’s available to provide three-course menus or gourmet platters wherever you desire on the island; at your accommodation, on a beach, or somewhere else with equally terrific views. Produce is always seasonal, and ideally organic and sourced locally. Annett can also recommend on lodge-style accommodation.
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Ship to Shore
Self-caterers can get groceries and beer and wine from Oban’s general store, Ship to Shore. Also available are sandwiches and baked goodies ($3 to $6), and staff can prepare a packed lunch if you’re going for a day tramp. It’s also the kind of friendly place that announces locals’ birthdays on a blackboard outside.
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Church Hill Cafe, Bar & Restaurant
Look beyond the gimmicky ‘Stone Grill’ menu to local flavours such as blue cod and muttonbird (in season). In summer the sunny, spacious deck and lawn provide hilltop views, and in cooler months you’ll need to beat out the friendly cat for a cosy spot by the fire. It’s essential to book for dinner, and by 5pm at the latest.
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Rakiura Charters
Sightseeing and fishing outings on the very comfortable Rakiura Suzy. Most popular is the half-day fishing cruise (adult/child $125/80) including a stop at the historic Whalers’ Base. Multiday diving, fishing and hunting charters and overnight trips are also available.
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Stewart Island Spa
Stewart Island Spa is in a refurbished hilltop cottage. Options include crystal healing, a rainforest bath, and a sauna and massage. Premium organic beauty products are used for all treatments.
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Fernery
Opposite the DOC office, the Fernery sells crafts, paintings and island-themed books, especially titles for kids. Pick up a CD of bird calls, so you’ll know your kiwi from your kaka.
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Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience
Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience runs guided walks on Ulva Island and has guided trips from half a day to 3½ days including camping and tramping. Prices range from $100 to $2500.
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Coast to Coast
Coast to Coast offers adventure-packed days with a flight from Oban and beach landing at Mason Bay, a four-hour tramp and a one-hour boat ride through Paterson Inlet to Golden Bay.
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Rakiura Museum
Rakiura Museum has models of various ferries from over the years, a sobering exhibit on whaling, Maori artefacts and early European settlement.
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South Sea Hotel
With old B&W photos, this cafe-style spot does superb fish, and robust seafood chowder. It’s listed under ‘Starters’ but it’s a meal in itself. The attached pub is the town’s main drinking hole, enlivened by occasional weekend bands and a loads-of-fun pub quiz that kicks off at 6.30pm on Sunday nights. Say hi to Vicky, quiz-mistress extraordinaire. Friday’s also a good night to meet the locals, when Happy Hour kicks off at 5.30pm.
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Presbyterian Church Hall
The wooden Presbyterian Church Hall was relocated to Oban from a whaling base in Paterson Inlet in 1937.
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Fishermen's Co-Op
The Fishermen’s Co-op on the main wharf often sells fresh fish and crayfish.
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