Stewart Island / Rakiura — Local services in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community

This has to be one of the most difficult reviews I have ever written.

First of all this place is magical, a special experience, with a strong Scottish connection, as evidenced by the place names and history.

It is geared up for tourists, with trips to predator- free Ulva island, bike hire, numerous coffee shops, lots of trips to book, good hikes and chatty friendly locals. I come from a fishing village, and despite being from about as far away as it is possible to be, there was a lot in common with the culture here.

Then there were the frustrating bits, the car culture, with so many vehicles on an island with 22km of roads, the indifference to abuse of their surroundings, with dumped equipment and decaying tools everywhere.

The most agitating thing for me however was a cat, which caught two birds in the garden of our accommodation, on our final morning.

In a place full of endangered species, which makes it's living from tourists coming to see them, why on earth would you have a pet cat, and let it out to kill indiscriminately?

I recognise that may be hypocritical from someone who flew halfway around the world to be there, but it wound me up much more than I thought it should.

So a mixed bag. So much going for it, with some frustrations I'm finding it very difficult to overlook, despite recognising that the locals want to lead their lives, rather than be exhibits...

Fantastic place to go to. The wildlife here is second to none. The history is amazingly intact. The people are helpful and welcoming. Best place to get information is at Doc they are really helpful about what's happening around the island. There is lots to see and do here. There are some amazing tramps. If you can take a boat it's well worth it too. The marine life is amazing. Lots of beautiful beaches to explore. Some of the cleanest beaches I have ever seen. Birds are amazing. There are so many things here that are simply nowhere else in the world. So well worth taking the time to get here and taking the time to understand what is around you. If you hunt or fish this is your place. If you enjoy a slow walk amongst thousands of years old bush and spotting rather unique plants and animals then you could spend months here. The beaches are made from 300 million year old granite so the sand is an amazing blonde and white. The peaks are well worth the effort to climb and the south end of the island is well worth the effort to explore. You can helicopter in to many places or book a real journeys tour it's well worth it. The guiding team will work at your level and interest. Highly...

Fern Gully - A reasonably easy walk when the track is dry. The scenery and the atmosphere are unbelievably enchanting. I'd walk this track every day if I could.

Ulva Island Ferry and Water Taxi - I have used the ferry many times over the past seven years and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. In 2022 the ferry wasn't available so I took the company's water taxi with Rakiura at the helm, never again! There was no need to deliberately turn into every wave and bounce the passengers all around the boat. Passengers all gripped onto anything we could anchor to, struggled to hold our bags and every face was tense with the strain of the journey. Avoid the Ulva Island Ferry water taxi service unless you are willing to suffer unnecessary discomfort.

Fishing with Fluff - I highly recommend a fishing trip with Gordon Leask, otherwise known as 'Fluff'. Fluff is a delightful and thoughtful host, a knowledgeable skipper and a superb cook. His deckhand 'Chief' (a Jack Russell Terrier) adds to the fun. Even if you don't fish, Fluff offers a great day out on the water along the coast or out to the islands with dozens of sea...