We left for Stewart island two days ago across the Foveaux Strait which is notoriously rough - only a 2m swell so not too bad. Arrived at 1030am and regained our land legs by walking from Halfmoon Bay up Fuschia walk, down Raroa walk to Golden Bay, around to Davis Bay for lunch (gentle breeze = no sandflies - bargain) and then back to Halfmoon Bay. Booked Ulva island trip but decided against spending money on Kiwi spotting trip. Afternoon nap an a wander around the two shops , oh and an ice cream of course!
Up early next day - caught ferry to Ulva island at 0830 and were bird spotting by 0845. Fantastic - weta, saddleback, cockariki, robin, kereru, bellbird, tui and kaka. Great time meandering through temperate rainforest with a really good guide who showed us all the trees and plants as well - umbrella moss, filmy fern, rimu, totara, lancewood, miri (with sap that i tasted - bit like vegemite but we had no cheese so Martyn didn't have any!), Easter orchids and anothe orchid, very cool.
Back to Stewart Island for lunch and then a walk to Horseshoe Bay and back before a fish n chip supper (ooooops, did have meal planned but hey ho!)
Attempted self guided kiwi spotting at 9pm but didn't see any. Could hear them though so they were out there!
Ferry back to the south island this morning across a millpond - apparently there is a north westerly due this afternoon so it will be a bit rough - glad we came across when we did, it's only an hour but methinks that could be a very llloooonnngggg time across the strait if rough !
Anyway, now tootling up to Manapouri via Tuatapere - sausage capital (we'll be stopping there then!) ready for doubtful sound tomorrow!
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