Before we begin our next adventure we had another treat in store for us. My husband is now wondering if there might be something special about men from the South. Of course I have always known anyone from the Mainland (ie the South Island) is special. He’s mentioned how well attuned to their environment these hunter gatherers are and how they can certainly provide a feast when required. We had arranged to stay with my school friends, Annette and George, as they’d offered to deliver us to the ferry in Bluff. Arriving at their home prior to the evening meal we were soon being treated to whitebait, muttonbirds, crayfish and paua fritters. Along with other stables like two salads, bread and bread rolls. George had done a magnificent job catching (for the most part) and preparing these delicacies.

Off On Our Next Adventure

Then we were off on our next adventure. This time it is to Stewart Island. I figure it has been fifty years since I last visited this isle. We used to often come camping here in summer, or at other times of the year, Mum would rent a crib from a cousin and we got to stay in luxury. No indoor plumbing, no power, but no need to dig ditches around the tent if rain should be persistent.

Stewart Island is at the southern end of New Zealand and a large area of its size (85%) is now part of the Rakiura National Park. Many visitors to the Island are trampers or bird watchers. As well as being well known for its tasty blue cod, Stewart Island is a bush sanctuary for many native species. While the main island is not yet predator free, native birds and insects are living safely on many of the small outer islands due to the efforts to eradicate predators. Of course this is an ongoing battle. 

The first day of our next adventure did not start out too great,weather wise. The skies alternated between sending drizzle or slightly heavier rain down on us. While there wasn’t much swell in Foveaux Strait, there was enough to make the ferry ride a bit of a thrill. The rain and spray from the boat impeded our vision a little but we were able to watch a huge mollymawk soaring in the wind close to the boat for some time. A few muttonbirds were also flying around but not in the sort of numbers I remember watching from Colac Bay.