Operators are reporting solid bookings for April and barring unforeseen events he expects visitor numbers next summer to be even higher. Mark Frood, the general manager of Southland regional development agency Great South Tourism and Events, says the word in the sector is that the independent-traveller and high-end tour group markets are strong. Having kept staff on during Covid, the business is less affected than some by recruiting problems. The US and Australian markets are “very strong” and New Zealand is getting more Singaporean and Malaysian tourists.

Akaroa’s Marine Reserve is probably best known for its population of Hector’s dolphins, which are the rarest marine dolphins in the world. Booking with a responsible tour operator to see them is a must — and in the case of Black Cat Cruises (blackcat.co.nz), it’s clear from the get-go what they’re doing to protect this vulnerable species. Arguably one of the country’s most picturesque marine sanctuaries, Te Whanganui-a-Hei protects 9sq km of water in Mercury Bay. Sitting in the middle of the entrance to the Queen Charlotte Sounds, it takes a bit of commitment to get to the Long Island-Kokomohua Marine Reserve, the South Island’s first marine reserve. Since being protected, populations have exploded — there’s reported to be three times more blue cod, and 11.5 times more rock lobster.

An ancient river valley (or “ria”) that’s been submerged, the 1075ha marine reserve is an important nursery for 50 species of fish and home to brachiopods, penguins, sharks and octopus. The ancient remains of an enormous volcano even older than Maunga Taranaki, the Sugar Loaf Islands are a semi-sheltered marine environment boasting 89 species of fish and at least 19 species of sea birds. But this is just a small part of the larger protected marine area — it adjoins with the 1404-hectare Tapuae Marine Reserve. If scuba Casino games New Zealand diving is more your speed, take a tour with Dive Zone Whitianga (divezonewhitianga.co.nz). In addition to working with local school groups, the tour operator is committed to preserving this incredible environment with its regular seafloor and roadside clean-ups.

• “We are having a really good season,” Peckham says, and as a small business, it has potential for growth.
• M.V. Flightless is based in the coastal waters of Fiordland and Stewart Island beyond the Southern Alps of New Zealand.
• That’s part of the reason why seeking out sustainable tour operators is critical.
• Summer (December to February) offers the best weather, while autumn and spring provide fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
• Fiordland Community Board chair and Lakeside Service Centre owner Diane Holmes says her turnover is also up on pre-Covid levels and other tourism operators report the same.

Akaroa Marine Reserve

The past two months had been spent looking at ways to mitigate the effects on the business. While it was almost ‘‘business as usual’’ for them, it was not the same for most of the island. Everyone had been brainstorming ways to encourage more domestic travel to the island. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Can I see kiwi birds on Stewart Island?

“Whether that is because tourist numbers are up or because there are fewer of us to provide a service … I think it’s a combination,” says Holmes. However, with present growth partly driven by pent-up demand, she doesn’t know whether it will be sustainable long term. We offer guided snorkeling tours through the coastal kelp forests of Rakiura, Stewart Island. Summer (December to February) offers the best weather, while autumn and spring provide fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Yes, there are various accommodation options on Stewart Island, ranging from hostels and motels to holiday homes and bed & breakfasts, primarily around Oban.

In addition to partnering with DoC and other government stakeholders on key issues, every year they take 12,000 visitors to the islands on world-class diving trips. Arguably the country’s top dive location, the 1900 hectare Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve was protected in 1981, after being identified for its unusually high numbers of endemic and tropical fish. Among the underwater arches and caves, today you’ll find snapper in greater abundance and size than in non-reserve areas, and more species diversity than in the nearby Bay of Islands. Ulva Island is predator-free, allowing native bird populations to thrive, making it one of New Zealand’s most unique wildlife experiences.

Southland’s international tourism has rebounded quicker than expected with some tour operators busier in late spring and summer than pre-Covid. A highlight of any trip to Stewart Island is a visit to Ulva Island, an extraordinary open bird sanctuary that offers a safe haven for native flora and fauna. The island’s untouched landscapes, from dense forests and rugged coastline to golden sandy beaches, make it a haven for marine and bird life, ideal for travellers who cherish nature and wildlife.

“We started a brand new business six months before Covid but we managed to hibernate pretty well,” he says. “We are having a really good season,” Peckham says, and as a small business, it has potential for growth. “The other thing that has happened is because the weather in the North Island has been terrible this summer people have been jumping on planes and coming south because we’ve had very good weather,” says Joy. “It’s not like the community board has a magic bucket of cash to suddenly build a whole lot of houses.

Stewart Island offers diverse activities, including scenic bush walks, wildlife tours, fishing charters, and sea kayaking. A visit to Ulva Island, a predator-free bird sanctuary, is also highly recommended. This remote island beckons visitors with its pristine landscapes, from serene coastal trails and dramatic seascapes to lush native bush teeming with rare birdlife. As you traverse its unspoiled terrain, you’ll discover a destination steeped in Maori history and local lore, where every turn unveils a new chapter of natural beauty and adventure.