Mason Bay - Stewart Island New Zealand tourism and travel - Stewart Island accommodation and hotel booking, tourism, travel, vacation and holiday information for Stewart Island NZ.

Mason Bay

Mason Bay is a sweeping, 12 mile crescent of sandy beach on Stewart Island's west coast. Two sheep runs began here in the 1870s, one continuing through until 1985. In the early days wool was taken through the surf by boat to waiting ships. In the 1920s a dray road was built, providing access to the Freshwater River, at the head of Paterson Inlet.

In later years wool was flown out from the beach. This high-cost exercise cost nearly as much as was fetched at the wool sale. Not what you would call a profitable venture. However, Tim and Ngaire Te Aika, who lived there for twenty two years, loved the life-style.

Tim knew where all the local kiwi nested. You could see them any night from the front porch of their small homestead. The Mason Bay population is as dense as any in the country. Now the sheep are gone, grass is growing taller, and the kiwi are harder to spot. You still have an excellent chance of seeing them near Mason Bay hut. They often come out on the beach, too. Not surfing, but foraging for sandhoppers and other food.


Tour Stewart Island

Tour Stewart Island Area

Find Accommodation
Kaka Cottages Island ParadiseKaka Cottages Island Paradise - Cottage, Motel. Tranquillity, ambience and old-fashioned good service – welcome to Kaka Cottages Island Paradise. From its...
All Stewart Island Accommodation
Find Tours and Activities
Milford Sound Mariner Overnight CruiseMilford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise - Overnight Cruise - Starting from around NZ $320.00 per person - Queenstown. An overnight cruise amidst spectacular Milford Sound, is a once in a lifetime experience. While on board the Milford...
All Southland NZ Activities
Find Flights

 

Employment

 

Copyright © 2005 - 2008 by New Zealand on the Web Limited. All Rights Reserved.
 

New Zealand - Auckland - Rotorua - Wellington - Christchurch - Queenstown - Accommodation - Tours & Activities - Bus - Car Rental - Campervan - Study - Virtual Tour - NZ Guide Book - Slide Show - Search