If you’re in the mood for some stunning landscapes and seascapes, then you should definitely head to Houston Stewart Island. This idyllic location is located off the coast of New Zealand, and it’s one of the most special places on earth. If you’re looking for an island that’s both picturesque and pristine, then this is the place for you. The island is also home to some of the most unique wildlife in the world, so be sure to pack your camera when you go!
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Houston Stewart Island History
Houston Stewart Island was first settled by European settlers in the late 1800s. At that time, it was an isolated and mostly uninhabited island, but over the years it has become a popular tourist destination. The terrain is hilly and rugged, with stunning views of the surrounding ocean. Today, Houston Stewart Island is home to a small population of Kiwis as well as some large feral animal populations (e.g., goats).
The nature you’ll see on Houston Stewart Island really must be seen to be believed. The history of the island constitutes a big part of its appeal, as there are plenty of materials about how humans have tried and failed for centuries to conquer it.
It’s the local population has been decimated by overhunting (which continues today) and predominantly died off due to disease contracted from handling kiwis, which is highly contagious with round-the-clock foliage. There are also lingering issues with hand-me-down tires being a possible reason for the death of many kiwis from lead poisoning in recent years.
To sum it up, Houston Stewart Island is everything you could possibly want in an island; stunning views, pristine wilderness, and gorgeous wildlife to boot! It’s no wonder that it was voted one of New Zealand’s top 10 camping destinations (link below).
Climate
Houston Stewart Island has a mild climate, with average temperatures ranging from 21-30 degrees Celsius. Winters are cold and dry, while summers can be hot and humid. Severe weather is uncommon, however, hurricanes can sometimes affect southern Australia and Tasmania.
Culture
The local population of Kiwis is a close-knit bunch, and they enjoy raising sheep as their main source of income. The island’s culture revolves around traditional arts and crafts, including fine wood working and pottery. There are also regular music festivals on the island, which draw in both locals and tourists alike! There isn’t a large selection of cellphone coverage on the island, but cars have some basic signals.
Island Activities
Diving is one key activity during your time at Houston Stewart Island. Dive for wildlife with marine life such as sea turtles, dolphins, and fish like Moki (blue cod). If you’re more into underwater photography then no problem! Get adventurous and explore the island’s great values while taking pictures from an unusual vantage point!
You can also go swimming and snorkeling on the inter-island channels, which are as clear as glass. You’ll be able to see fish, but this is one of the few places where whales may approach you or even swim with you! Don’t forget that if there’s a stormy forecast then it could cause tidal changes around 32 meters in five hours (link below) so stick close to the land on timetables!
– On the island of Banks Island, there is a spa and wellness center that offers excellent facilities for relaxation. You can engage in traditional Asian therapies such as aromatherapy, reflexology, and Rolfing to wash away stresses from daily life! If you’re really looking for that one night’s sleep before your big 8 am meeting then look no further than this serene retreat!
Politics
Stewart Island is a self-governing parliamentary electorate located in the Country of New Zealand. It elects two members to Parliament by popular vote every three years. The current sitting Member of Parliament (MP) is Paula Bennett who was first elected in November 2013 and represents the National Party.
Economy
The economy on Stewart Island revolves around sheep farming, with exports mainly focusing on mutton which is then exported to mainland New Zealand. The main area of activity is the vast grazing plains in the southeast. Mixed farming and forestry make up much of its economy, with some settlement around Stewart Island’s only natural harbor on Cape Campbell.
The port at Cape Campbell provides anchorage for visiting ships that have minimal cargo or fishing requirements as well as providing a popular holiday destination for islanders who commute to mainland New Zealand. The port also has aviation facilities allowing 7 AM morning flights ( originating from Stewart Island or Cape Campbell) to Invercargill. There are no commercial flights available on the island, mainly due to the inaccessibility of its terrain. In October 2012 captain Trevor Harris airlifted a Shetland pony with six New Zealand fur seal pups off his plane during an emergency landing at the Port A Matatau heliport.
Government services
The only government services available on the island are health and education. There is no post office, police station, or hospital with medical evacuations being made to Wellington for serious cases. All other needs must be met by traveling either to Stewart Island’s main town ofawedaka or Cape Campbell port.
Tourism
Stewart Island’s main industry is tourism. The island has a number of accommodation options, ranging from camping and self-catering to private villas with pools and full-service facilities. There are also a number of restaurants serving local and international cuisine as well as several retail outlets. Hareidi Beach is located on the southern tip of Stewart Island. It has white sand and water, however, this is changing as increasingly more sedimentation occurs due to recent building in the area.
Transport
The only form of transport available on the island is foot or bicycle. The terrain is very rugged, making it challenging to traverse large distances. There are a number of flights available from Stewart Island to Wellington with the most regular service being operated by Air New Zealand.
Conclusion
Houston Stewart Island is a remote island that lies in the South Pacific Ocean, about 1,600 kilometers southwest of New Zealand. The island is uninhabited and has an area of about 270 square kilometers. It is named after John Houston Stewart, a Scottish merchant, and politician who served as the ninth Premier of New Zealand from 1892 to 1895. The island was discovered by Europeans in 1853 and claimed for the British Crown in 1855.
FAQs
1.What Is The Cleanest Beach In Galveston?
Ans: There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on individual opinions. Some people may say that the cleanest beach in Galveston is Bolivar Beach while others might recommend Seawall Boulevard for its pristine waters.
2.Are There Any Dangers Of Going To Houston Stewart Island?
Ans: There are no specific dangers associated with visiting Houston Stewart Island, however, it is important to be aware of the fact that the island is located in a remote area and there may be limited transportation options. Additionally, the terrain can be challenging and uneven so it is advisable to take appropriate precautions when hiking or biking around the island.
3.What Is Houston Stewart Island?
Ans: Houston Stewart Island is a remote island located in the South Pacific Ocean, about 1,600 kilometers southwest of New Zealand. The island was discovered by Europeans in 1853 and claimed for the British Crown in 1855.
4.Is It Possible To Bring My Own Food With Me On The Plane Or Boat To Go To Houston Stewart Island?
Ans: This is a difficult question to answer as food availability and regulation on Houston Stewart Island vary depending on the destination. Generally speaking, however, it is advised to bring along enough provisions for the duration of your stay in order to avoid any potential hassles with food restrictions or shortages.
5.Where Should I Stay While On The Island?
Ans: There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on individual preferences. Some people may recommend staying in a villa while others might prefer camping or cabin accommodation. Ultimately, the best option for each traveler will vary depending on their preferences and budget.
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