Stewart Island

So finally I made it! Stewart Island/Rakiura! Third largest island of New Zealand. First sighted in 1770 by captain James Cook it soon became a well-known base for whalers in the southern pacific ocean. Today it's main economy is tourism. famous as bird sanctuary, base for fishing trips and a great place to spot the Aurora Australis. Also it's by far the best place to spot the mysterious Kiwi in it's natural habitat, which I unfortunately was not able to...

Anyhow; I had a great time and can only recommend the Island, despite the very expensive ferry trip!

So this is the owner-operator at Hilltop Bakpackers:  Mr.Socks.

Red-Crowned Parakeet, once threatened by extinction, today out of danger, thanks to the always busy Department Of Conservation.

The Stewart island Weka, one the four subspecies. Considered to be threatened, but here on Ulva island, which is complete predator free, there's plenty of them.   

The view from Hilltop's patio: The township of Oban and Halfmoon Bay, the best spot to watch the sunrise, which you shall see further down! 

Old wharf building at Golden Bay

The Tui, not just a brand of reasonably priced beer, but also a famous songbird, capable of imitating other birds song. Thy're also considered very smart and are able to copy human speech, just like a parrot.

Stewart Shag, fishing in the harbor.  

A Kaka, a medium sized Nestor parrot, endangered on the mainland, but flourishing  here on Stewart island.  This specific one got named Polly and came to visit our place almost every day,

thanks to the snacks we provided. Like most parrots Kakas are quite curious, smart and pretty cheeky. If you try to eat on the patio be prepared to defend your plate!

Thule Bay

A Sea Urchin, someone sure had a good  meal there! It's Gonads are considered a culinary delicacy all around the world.

One day walking in the 'outskirts' of the 'township' I found this old Land Rover graveyard, about 12 old-school Offroaders and some more undefined  corpses... What a waste! Makes a car lover like me cry! 

Aurora Australis? No, just the sunrise above Halfmoon Bay!

Variable Oystercatchers in rest position. Couples usually stay together for the rest of their lives, which can last for up to 27 years.

Halfmoon Bay and the township of Oban. Yes, there is a town in this picture! The only one on the Island.

The stone house at Harralds Bay, build 1835. Once inhabited by ship builders. 

And finally, my departure! One last sunrise while waiting for the ferry.