Accomodation

South Sea Hotel, on the waterfront, has provided hospitality since the turn of the century. It has been modernised, but the welcome is as warm as in more leisurely times. The "Pub" is the place to meet the locals, or admire the view from the balcony or upstairs lounge.

Shearwater Inn is also "right in town". With a large lounge, dining-room and house bar, it's a good venue for group travel or a mini-conference.

Motels and holiday homes provide self-contained accommodation for those who prefer to cater for themselves. Home-hosting at a range of price levels is available for those who wish to live-in as "part of the family". Stewart Island Lodge is the most "up-market" of these.

There is no Youth Hostel, but several Island residents have bunk rooms and cooking facilities available for backpackers.

You'll surely find somewhere suitable to stay on Stewart Island. However, as more people are finding our hide-away, it does pay to make bookings in advance, particularly over summer and other peak holiday times.

• Gaytravel Net Reservation Pages