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They also need to have the support of local communities — including tour operators — to be successful. Done right, a visit to one of these marine sanctuaries will grant insight into the life below and even serve to inspire a new generation of ocean advocates. Local tour operator Chaddy’s Charters (chaddyscharters.co.nz) takes visitors out to explore the islands, including the northernmost colony of fur seals.

Long Island-Kokomohua Marine Reserve

Booking with a responsible tour operator to see them is a must — and in the case of Black Cat Cruises (blackcat.co.nz), it’s clear from the get-go what they’re doing to protect this vulnerable species. Arguably one of the country’s most picturesque marine sanctuaries, Te Whanganui-a-Hei protects 9sq km of water in Mercury Bay. The best way to get a glimpse of them is on a Kāpiti Island Eco sea kayaking tour (kapitiislandeco.co.nz). Though the emphasis tends to be on what’s on land, keep an eye out for what’s below to see fur seals at play, massive eagle rays gliding and if the season is right, orcas looking for food.

• That’s part of the reason why seeking out sustainable tour operators is critical.
• South Sea Hotel owner Helen Cave said her 60-bed complex had had no income for nearly two months.
• One of the tour operators that visit the island and its waters (along with exploring the new Motiti Protection Area) is Dolphin Seafaris (nzdolphin.com).
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Housing workers is an ongoing issue, which Holmes says is a “catch-22” for the tourist town. The Fiordland town has gone from a shortage of customers to a shortage of hospitality staff, exacerbated by an exodus of overseas workers during the pandemic. Dave is an expert at teaching and working with people of all skill sets from all corners of the globe – so no matter what your skill level, you will walk away with a beautiful piece to treasure forever. Try your hand at catching fish (including the infamous Blue Cod) on a traditional hand-line.

To get to the submerged reef, you’ll need a boat, with operators such as the family-owned Beachcomber Water Taxis (beachcombercruises.co.nz) offering private charters for scuba divers keen to investigate the reef systems. There is no schedule or set itinerary as every charter is as different as the people on board. M.V. Flightless is based in the coastal waters of Fiordland and Stewart Island beyond the Southern Alps of New Zealand. The quaint township of Te Anau (Fiordland) or Bluff (Stewart Island) is where it all starts. Here, amidst the lush native forest of towering rimu and totara, visitors can experience nature at its finest.

Is Stewart Island suitable for a day trip?

Get ready to embark on a journey that highlights both the wild, untamed charm of the island and the warm, welcoming spirit of its local community. On a guided tour with Marahau Sea Kayaks (msk.co.nz), you can rest assured that your trip is having a minimal effect on the environment, as the tour operator has been certified as carbon neutral. If scuba diving is more your speed, take a tour with Dive Zone Whitianga (divezonewhitianga.co.nz). In addition to working with local school groups, the tour operator is committed to preserving this incredible environment with its regular seafloor and roadside clean-ups. In addition to partnering with DoC and other government stakeholders on key issues, every year they take 12,000 visitors to the islands on world-class diving trips. Arguably the country’s top dive location, the 1900 hectare Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve was protected in 1981, after being identified for its unusually high numbers of endemic and tropical fish.

South Sea Hotel owner Helen Cave said her 60-bed complex had had no income for nearly two months. The past two months had been spent looking at ways to mitigate the effects on the business. While it was almost ‘‘business as usual’’ for them, it was not the same for most of the island. Everyone had been brainstorming ways to encourage more domestic travel to the island.

“It’s not like the community board has a magic bucket of cash to suddenly build a whole lot of houses. “Whether that is because tourist numbers are up or because there are fewer of us to provide a service … I think it’s a combination,” says Holmes. Te Anau-based Trips and Tramps owner Kate Norris says turnover at her guided-walk business is “massively up” on pre-pandemic levels. A lot of what Stewart Island has to offer is outdoor based, being such a raw, untouched natural gem. However on a wild or wet day – the perfect place to be is in Dave’s cosy workshop, getting creative with your very own greenstone carving. Enjoy stunning views of Halfmoon Bay and the Foveaux Strait, and hang out with the super friendly little pup ‘Whero’.

But this is just a small part of the larger protected marine area — it adjoins with the 1404-hectare Tapuae Marine Reserve. Whether you’re planning an immersive guided tour or prefer exploring independently, our comprehensive guide is designed to equip you with expert insights, insider tips, and practical travel advice. Here, you’ll find detailed information on the best tours, activities, and experiences that showcase the very essence of Stewart Island.

Ulva Island is considered No deposit bonus New Zealand the “jewel in the crown” in Rakiura Stewart Island area, but the surrounding waters should be just as treasured. An ancient river valley (or “ria”) that’s been submerged, the 1075ha marine reserve is an important nursery for 50 species of fish and home to brachiopods, penguins, sharks and octopus. Kāpiti Island is a predator-free nature reserve surrounded by the Kāpiti Marine Reserve, which links to the Waikanae Estuary Scientific Reserve on the adjacent mainland shore. The result is a rare continuum of protected land and sea, where fish and birds alike can be found in abundance.