You can fly to Stewart Island from Invercargill or take the ferry from Bluff – we took the ferry and I am glad we did because it is a great way to arrive at the little town of Oban.
After a couple of nights in Oban (which has a great little pub) we took the flight to Mason Bay where the plane lands on the beach. We spent a comfortable night at the D.O.C hut (bunks, cooking facilities and water) and hiked back to Oban. On the way back and in DAY time we spotted a Kiwi – it just ambled across the path. If you are in New Zealand’s deep south don’t miss out on NZ’s third island !