Tramping: Stewart Island (Rakiura) Part 1

Last Tuesday I flew down to Invercargill by way of Christchurch then headed to the check in desk for Stewart Island flights. My bag was limited to 15kg and I myself was weighed! The same chap then turned up at the gate, didn't check tickets but simply counted the 6 passengers (and dog!), led us to the wee 2 engined plane and got in the pilot seat It was a beautiful day for the 20 minute flight with views like this one over Horseshoe Bay:

On the flight over I was invited to the community centre for the Thursday night sports evening - currently football. It was an impressive building that the islanders mostly put up themselves with help from a local builder. The game wasn't too serious thankfully and we headed to the only pub on the island for well earned drinks!
The main settlement in Half Moon Bay is called Oban which is where most of the 400 islanders live. Lots of Scottish connections, especially to Orkney and Shetland with place names featuring the immigrant families like Peterson, Leask and Thomson. Other names like Thule and Vaila Voe Bay reflecting where they came from.
Lots of short walks around the village with connections to the sea everywhere:

The island has a super primary school of 20 pupils and big grounds (plus swimming pool) right on the bay:

Despite being on the lookout I didn't spot any of the island's 20,000 kiwis:

Half Moon Bay is packed with boats, many ready to take visitors off on all kinds of exciting trips:

From Golden Bay a small ferry takes people across to Ulva (passing Iona) a bird sanctuary where all ground predators have been eradicated:

You arrive at Post Office Wharf bay where the Orkney born postmaster Mr Traill would receive the irregular postal delivery then run a flag up the pole on a hill nearby to alert the residents of the inlet. The island has some lovely beaches like Sydney Cove below: