78) Stewart Island (New Zealand redux)

No, we have not returned to NZ, I just had a stack of pictures I never posted!

When last seen, our intrepid explorers were on the southern tip of the South Island ready to embark to Stewart Island.

Here is the regular ferry which runs across to the island.




Conservation sign.....no long showers here.

We took ANOTHER boat across to Ulva Island. It has been "de-vermined" (no possums, foxes, rats) and is now a world renowned bird sanctuary where they are reintroducing species at risk elsewhere.

A Toutouwai (New Zealand robin)












Saddleback

















This is a Tui - they have the most AMAZING song. In olden days, they were caught and kept in cages. Just to listen to them sing.

But I would guess they have better songs out in the wild....









It was summer at the time but quite chilly out on the water.


















The Weka - I have scores of pictures mostly because they were inquisitive and quite used to people.














We went out on a night tour to see the endangered Kiwi.This is with a telephoto and is illuminated with a single flashlite!

Very cool -- and most odd birds......











A lost and forlorn penguin huddling for the night. Where are all my buddies?












A local Kaka...



























The chessboard at the Stewart Island marina














A *classic* phone at a bustop on the road. You actually had to crank the thing!
















Garage door art.....













Hi-tech swing. (stick on a piece of mooring rope)














There was a great fish-n-chips place in Halfmoon Bay. Note the mussel shell spoon in Nancy's hand. Fabulous chowder.














Yeah, well....


















I think this was called "Dead Man's Cove" or something. Our trail dropped down to the beach here - when we turned around, there was a single house looking out over this.

I want to live there. Now.








Another glorious sunset. We did not have time to do the famous Rakiru Track though we saw quite a few trekkers at the hostel we stayed at. Another lifetime perhaps.

Stayed tuned - One more batch of NZ photos to post. They are really good. Then back to more recent adventures....