Halfmoon Bay facilities

The island’s only settlement, in Halfmoon Bay, has a DOC Visitor Centre, general store and a range of accommodation options.

There is one ATM on the island. This is only accessible during shop hours and does not accept non-New Zealand credit cards. Most operators accept Eftpos, Visa and Mastercard.

Drinking water

While there have been no reports of giardia on Stewart Island, we recommend treating all water collected from streams, or filling your water containers before leaving huts.

Help keep our water free from diseases and our land unspoilt by always using toilets where provided. If there is no toilet, find a secluded place well away from water and walking tracks, dig a hole and bury all human waste.

Fish and shellfish

Read Te Whaka a Te Wera Mātaitai Reserve bylaws and fisheries regulations (collect from the DOC Stewart Island Visitor Centre), and the Ulva Island – Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve brochure (PDF, 2,004K). Ensure you fish in areas permitted. Take only the amount of seafood you need for the day.

Weather

Be prepared for everything – wind, rain, sun and sleet.

Stewart Island weather is unpredictable and strong winds can develop at short notice. Be prepared to change your plans and seek shelter. Average temperatures are 15˚C in summer and 9˚C in winter. Average annual rainfall is 1,600 mm.

Seek up to date weather advice from DOC or see the Foveaux coastal forecast or Southland rural forecast on the Metservice website.

Deer hunters

Be aware of deer hunters, who are active all year-round on Stewart Island.

A permit is needed to hunt on Stewart Island – you can obtain one from the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre or online. See Stewart Island/Rakiura hunting.