Stewart Island Travel Forum

Hi
We are touring the south island in a van, having already done the north island and are pretty low on money. We wanted to hear someones advice on whether we can justify the expense of a Stewart Island trip (which appears quite pricey to us!)...is it just scenery etc that we can and have seen in other areas of NZ or is it worth a trip??
Any info would be gratefully received!
Thanks
Claire (UK)

hi, i myself as a traveller always like to see what i can and the challenge of getting to the unusual or special places that take a bit of effort - ive been to stewart island but i guess way less pricier back then - it was nice but if you are short i guess i would say, and i am a very loyal kiwi myself and would recommend anywhere in nz to see!!, then give stewart island a miss. spending time in invercargill and going to bluff to take pics of the sign post and indulging in wonderful bluff oysters - especially the oyster soup - would make up for it. there are so many lovely spots around the south island to get to and maybe extra bits like paying for the gondola up over queenstown and the boat ride over the lake etc would be more cost effective. then theres milford sound, doubtful sound, even a jet boat down the kawerau and some time at arrowtown, and all the souvenir and nice nik naks along the way, all these special things add to the cost!! even a flight over one of the glaciers would be much more rewarding i guess!! or around mt cook! bye and keep enjoying it all! angiebabe in the uk!!

Thanks Angie...all those other things you suggested are in our itinery so thats reassuring! hAPPY Travels

Also dont miss kaikoura-go whale watching and swimming with the dolphins, and hanmer springs for a relaxing day in the hot pools. Abel Tasman national park has great scenery and beaches-you can kayak or walk it just make sure its in summer. If you go to Christchurch go to Winnebagoes and the Dux Deluxe for great pizza, drinks, live bands some nights. Have fun!!

Anoushka