Stewart Island hotels

Top reasons to visit Stewart Island

• Stunning Natural Landscapes: Stewart Island boasts breathtaking scenery, with lush forests and dramatic coastlines that are perfect for exploration.
• Outdoor Adventures: Engage in a variety of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and immersing yourself in the island's rich wildlife.
• Cultural Attractions: Discover historic buildings and museums that showcase the island's unique heritage and vibrant local culture.
• Charming Accommodation: A range of lodging options, from quaint lodges to budget-friendly hostels, cater to all traveller preferences.
• Friendly Atmosphere: Enjoy the warm hospitality of Oban and the welcoming community that enhances your vacation experience.

Find great hotels near Stewart Island

Stewart Island offers a delightful selection of accommodation, perfect for every traveller. From charming lodges to budget-friendly backpackers, visitors can find a variety of options to suit their preferences. Whether you seek a peaceful retreat or a base for exploring the island's stunning natural beauty, the local hotels provide excellent amenities and unique experiences. Be sure to check out hotel reviews to help you choose the ideal place for your stay on this picturesque island.

• Bay Motel: Bay Motel is a welcoming 3-star accommodation located 26km from Stewart Island, boasting a remarkable guest rating of 9.6 out of 10. This hotel features a range of dining options, including Continental breakfast choices, ensuring a delightful start to your day. Guests can engage in fishing onsite or explore hiking and biking trails nearby. For entertainment, the motel offers satellite television and premium channels, providing a comfortable and enjoyable stay amidst the stunning natural surroundings.

Where to stay near Stewart Island

Stewart Island, or Rakiura, offers an unforgettable travel experience with its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the whole island, immersing themselves in its friendly atmosphere and diverse wildlife. With a variety of accommodation options available, you can enjoy the charm of popular towns like Oban while savouring the breathtaking scenery of Southland. Adventure awaits, whether you’re hiking, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the tranquil environment.

• Stewart Island / Rakiura: This stunning island is renowned for its pristine natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Situated in the Southern Ocean, Stewart Island is primarily a national park, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Visitors flock here from November to January to experience its breathtaking scenery, which includes rugged coastlines, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. Highlights include the picturesque beaches and the opportunity to explore the Rakiura National Park, where hiking trails abound and the chance to spot native bird species like the Kiwi is high.
• Oban: Located 26km from Stewart Island, Oban is a charming village that serves as the main settlement on the island. It offers a delightful mix of outdoor activities and rich history, particularly appealing to visitors during peak seasons from February to March and December. In Oban, you can engage in birdwatching, where the region's unique avian species come to life. The village is also home to various attractions, including the local history museum and access to ferry services that connect to the mainland, making it a great base for exploration.
• Halfmoon Bay: Just 24km from Stewart Island, Halfmoon Bay is a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of adventure and scenic beauty. A popular destination during the summer months of February to March and December, it is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as birdwatching and ferry rides, all while soaking in the stunning views of the bay. The area is enriched by its historical buildings and proximity to national parks, ensuring that there is always something intriguing to explore.

Things to do in Stewart Island

Shopping

On Stewart Island, visit the Oban Village Store for local crafts and souvenirs. The Island's Craft Centre showcases handmade items by local artisans. Stroll through the small shops along the waterfront for unique gifts, including native wood carvings and local artwork, reflecting the island's natural beauty.

Recreation

At the Stewart Island Lodge, experience tranquillity with stunning views and relaxing spa treatments, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. Join guided walks to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty, or partake in yoga sessions overlooking the coastline for a rejuvenating escape.

Adventure

Rakiura Track offers a stunning three-day hike through lush forests and along rugged coastlines, showcasing the island's natural beauty. For a thrilling experience, embark on a guided kayak tour to explore hidden coves and spot wildlife, immersing yourself in the serene waters surrounding Stewart Island.

Nightlife

Stewart Island offers a relaxed nightlife with local charm. Enjoy a drink at the South Sea Hotel, where you can mingle with locals. Alternatively, visit the Rakiura Lodge for a cosy atmosphere and delightful dining options, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring the stunning landscapes.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Stewart Island

For a budget-friendly trip to Stewart Island, consider visiting from June to August when prices drop. Booking accommodation about a month in advance can secure better rates, and Monday is typically the most economical day to stay. Use Expedia to filter for eco-certified hotels and sort prices from low to high for the best deals. Additionally, check for last-minute offers to save on lodging. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for potential savings through package deals, ensuring a cost-effective adventure on this beautiful island.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Stewart Island are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to May and December, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Stewart Island is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Stewart Island is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Stewart Island is Sunday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to customise your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, sort the price filter from low to high.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your Stewart Island hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions near Stewart Island

Stewart Island is an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventure and stunning scenery. The area offers a variety of attractions, including national parks, historic buildings, and museums, perfect for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With various activities to choose from, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history and breathtaking landscapes that Stewart Island has to offer, making it a memorable vacation spot for all types of travellers.

• Rakiura National Park: Located approximately 16km from Stewart Island, Rakiura National Park offers breathtaking scenery and a plethora of outdoor activities. Visitors can immerse themselves in lush landscapes, rugged coastlines, and diverse wildlife, making it a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
• Stone House: Just 3km from Stewart Island, the historic Stone House provides a glimpse into the region's cultural heritage. Built in the 1800s, this charming structure reflects the island's rich history and offers a unique opportunity to appreciate local architecture and stories of the past.
• Rakiura Environmental Centre: Situated 3km from Stewart Island, this landmark serves as an educational hub, promoting awareness of the island's unique ecosystems. Visitors can engage with informative exhibits and learn about conservation efforts in the area.

Best time to go to Stewart Island

The best time to visit Stewart Island is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. January is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
February	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
March	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
April	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	48.6°F (9.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly High
June	44.8°F (7.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low
July	44.1°F (6.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average
August	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly High
September	46.9°F (8.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
October	49.5°F (9.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Stewart Island

Reaching Stewart Island is convenient via two major airports. Invercargill Airport (IVC), located 72km away, is serviced by airlines such as Air New Zealand. Notable hotels nearby include the Homestead Villa Motel, Balmoral Lodge Motel, and Shelby Motor Lodge, each a mere 3km from the airport. Stewart Island Airport (SZS-Ryans Creek) is only 24km from Stewart Island, with excellent accommodation options like the Bay Motel, Anchorstone, and Stewart Island Lodge, all within 3km of the airport. These hotels offer various transportation services, including 24-hour airport shuttles and scheduled transfers, ensuring a seamless travel experience to your destination.