Stewart Island Bottom of New Zealand

Stewart Island is the last main settlement on the bottom of New Zealand before you start your way to the Antartica, yes it can be cold and wet but untouched for a large part, it is a Favourite for Deer Hunters with the only readily accessible herd of Virginian Whitetail deer in the Southern Hemisphere, equally for Naturalists with abundant wildlife and Tramping around the Island is Inspiring, you can be totally alone if you want to be, it also has some great Diving, A warm current from the Australian Great Barrier Reef flows onto Stewart Island. This brings a much more diverse variety of marine creatures than would normally be found in waters of this latitude.

Here is a good site to check out some info on Stewart Island.
Stewart Island

Stewart Island is one of those places where it's nice to visit but expensive to live, you can only access the island by either the Ferry from Bluff or single engine plane from the Invercargill Airport, i have only ventured on the ferry and lucky for me it was a flat crossing there and back, Foveux Strait between Bluff and Stewart Island is notorious as being one of the roughest in the world, this is mainly because of the fact that it is quite shallow so the swells can really get up, take the plane if you are susceptible to sea sickness.

There are a few Motels,Hotels and B&B'S on the island to stay but make sure you book, especially if you are thinking about the summer months as this is the most popular time.

Almost everything must be brought to the island on these Ferry's so they provide an important service to this remote settlement although only an hour away.
You can cycle or walk alot of the Island Easily or they do hire cars, but be warned the vehicles can be a bit rough, alot of vehicals tend to be retired there but still do the job. Enough said.

One event that Stewart Island holds every year is the Southern Most Singles Ball in the world
which is generally held around August every year, i havent been but from what i hear it can get fairly wild, in a good way, lots of party all round.

It's a beautiful place, one that should be visited at least once and with so many diversified things to do from: Kayaking,Hunting,Tramping,Diving,Fishing,Nature Viewing and more it has it all, just bring Warm Clothing and a Rain wear and you will be fine.

Aussie Pete