Crossing the Strait

Saturday, 4th January 

With all the best intentions of getting out of our great accommodation by 9am, it was just before 10am that we left. A trip to Pak’n’Save to get all the necessary things to eat on the island as we suspected there may not be too many gf options. 

With not much info around Invercargill, we wondered if maybe Bluff would be better in our preparation to travel to Rakiura / Stewart Island. We walked around this fishing village, taking photos of the eclectic art, and reading about the specific history of the area. Nothing was open. We drove to Stirling Point - the northern site of the chain sculpture representing the linkage of the Mainland to Stewart Island. Of course, we stopped for coffee and then went on a short walk in the Motupōhue reserve. 

We have been having a lot of fun playing a series of  alphabetical category games as we walk. These have provided good entertainment for the boys. This particular game was “Notable events from 2024”. After taking a photo with the famous Southern signpost (even though this is not the southernmost point), we made our way to the ferry terminal and waited to hop onto the boat.

That was the most exciting boat journey that I have ever taken. We had waves hitting the boat from all angles and we were thrown around more than being on a roller coaster. Fortunately, we had all taken our Sea legs, so this meant that we were not too affected. This was not true for all passengers. After an hour, we arrived in Halfmoon Bay, Oban and carried our luggage to our Backpacker accommodation. What a great space! We were very happy with the cabin that we ended up in, right next to the kitchen and dining room. 

Jane and I both decided that we would head to the local cafe, The Snuggery, while leaving the boys to relax for a bit. I drank a beer, while Jane had another coffee. This cafe had a very old-school bach feel about it - yet another example of the relaxed atmosphere on the island. So much so, that they did their takeaway coffees in reused glass jars. The cafe was due to shut in about 15 minutes, but they were very chill to let us sit and enjoy our drinks. We didn't feel rushed or in the way at all. 

We returned to the boys and together decided to go adventuring, so we walked over the hill to Golden Bay to prepare for our trip the next day. After checking out the departure jetty, we went for a walk along the trail to Deep Bay. This was a beautiful track, showcasing some of the Rakiura flora and birds. Like everywhere, there was a lot of birdsong. 

The issue arose after arriving at Deep Bay when the boys started complaining about how the walk back would be so boring and take so long. Fortunately, we did find another bush track to return by and then walked back around the road to Oban. As Jane needed some more supplies from the local Four Square, we popped into the Halfmoon Bay Bar for a drink where we enjoyed a beer and cider and the boys soft drinks. This seemed like adequate payment for a long and tiring walk.

Following this, we returned to the Backpackers. The atmosphere around the camp was very friendly and accepting, as the many residents shared and negotiated in the cosy kitchen area. We enjoyed chatting and hearing the sounds of conversation, pool balls knocking and pots and pans clattering. There was a relaxed business to things, with the opportunity to sit in the lounge with a book after cleaning up. 

Bed time!