2026 Oban Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

During New Zealand's spring from September to November, the forested areas around Half Moon Bay on Stewart Island are ideal for birdwatching and ecological walks. As temperatures rise, the forest plants revive, and birds enter their breeding season, becoming more vocal and frequently building nests. Local bird species such as the kaka parrot, South Island robin, bellbird, and silvereye often appear near the trails, perfect for close observation and photography. In the evening or at night, you might even hear the call of the kiwi, a unique wild spectacle exclusive to Stewart Island. Recommended trails include Fuchsia Walk, Raroa Walk, and Observation Rock Track, which are suitable for leisurely strolls while enjoying coastal sunsets and forest ecology. The soft light and fresh air of spring make it an excellent season for ecological photography, nature journaling, and family exploration. Just put on waterproof hiking boots, bring binoculars and a red-light flashlight, and embark on a journey through a pristine forest filled with birdsong and floral fragrance.

#mytraveldiary A 32-kilometer loop track on the island’s eastern side, I’ve heard from many people that the Rakiura Track is one of the easiest multi-day walks in New Zealand. As someone who has tackled many tracks here in New Zealand over the years, I have to agree. Our Great Walks have better infrastructure than most other backcountry trails, making it a much more comfortable walk. No river crossings. No scary three-wire bridges. No using your hands to climb. Fancier huts. #thingstodo #travel #newzealand

At the southernmost point of the South Island, some 450 miles (725 km) from Christchurch, Stewart Island (斯图尔特岛)is a remote last stop, isolated but bountiful in nature and the best place in all of New Zealand to spot a kiwi, the elusive national bird, in the wild. New Zealand third island Named Stewart Island by colonial settlers, and Rakiura ('glowing skies') by the original Maori inhabitants of the area, this sparsely populated island. Just 1 town, few roads and just a few hundred inhabitants. I travel to Invercargill from Dunedin by Intercity Coach and then you can book a van to bring you from Invercargill to Bluff Ferry Terminal. Coach company - Catch-a-bus South - cheaper to take the morning 8am schedule (all in $31+) and they will fetch you from your hotel/hostel and to the ferry terminal in time to catch the first ferry service at 9.45am. How to reach to Steward Island. Wind-tossed flights (10mins , Nzd220-$300 return) connect the island's only town, Oban, to Invercargill on the South Island, or you can brave d ocean for an hour-long ferry Nzd125, one way) crossing from Bluff over the notoriously choppy Foveaux Strait. Stewart Island has only one town, which is where almost everyone arrives, and most of d island's 12½ miles (20km) of roads link Oban to surrounding bays outside the national park area. To penetrate deeper into the interior, you have to walk, but water taxis can drop you off at remote bays around the national park so you can start your tramp in pristine nature. Sea kayaks are another pop way to explore, but most paddlers stay close to Oban in Paterson Inlet. Note: Water taxis are the only way to reach Ulva Island. Nzd30 from Golden Bay Wharf, Oban to Ulva in 10minutes. Easy to manoeuvre around on your own. Just be back at 12:30pm where the skipper will fetch you back to Oban. Boat ride starts 9am, so you have 3.5hours to spend on the island and with my experience u can finish all the walks on the island. Stay - Shoestring Steward Island Backpackers A handy central location in Oban n a sunny garden add to d appeal at this small, cosy backpacker hostel in an old wooden villa. (Dorms from NZ$34/US$23) Things to do Water taxi to Ulva island Fishing trip to catch blue cod Island hopping Night trip to see Kiwi Walking and Hiking along Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island. The Rakiura Track takes you 4-5 hours walk. Meals Be your own chef - Buy groceries at Four Square groceries. Budget - Have a fish and chip and a pint of beef at South Sea Hotel. Luxe - seafood , abalone, oysters , salmon, crayfish to spice up your life.