This is the last stop on New Zealand's southern coast before you hit Antarctica. It's frontier country, the land is still wild and rugged, the coastline a mass of thick forests and scary jutting rocks tormented by the crash of the waves coming in from the open ocean.

The main paddling spot is Paterson Inlet where the Rakeahua River opens into the sea, here the waters are exciting but safe. You have to be pretty experienced to attempt to circumnavigate Stewart Island, it gets pretty hairy along the ocean side coastline.

The middle of the island is crossed with trails so if you're not up to paddling on the rough side you can walk across and see what you're missing out on.

There is a variety of accommodation and kayak hire available once you're there but you need to reach the island by air or sea, so it's worth allowing for a week including getting there and back. For more information on Stewart Island kayaking: http://www.stewartisland.co.nz/Kayaks.html

Written by  Michael Gray.

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