Stewart – Port Adventure

Port Adventure is the next inlet south of Patterson. We were off early and headed to Abraham’s Bosom – a secure anchorage. The following shots were taken enroute.

This as we approached the anchorage.

And Iron Lady at anchor (Always have to fit one in.)

Abraham’s Bosom offered another tidal creek to explore. The tidal creek led to a small freshwater stream and waterfall. Our guide indicated the water was potable but we didn’t try it. First some shots as we ventured up the tidal creek.

And a some shots of the water fall.

And some shots as we paddled our way back down the stream.

You will note that I am wearing a fleece. Stewart island weather is controlled by a warm current that flows around it so the climate remains temperate – typically 40 degrees (5 C.) at night and 50 to 60 (10 to 15 C) during the day. Most days, a fleece felt pretty good.

There was another river nearby so we continued our exploration and came across these fellows on a deer hunting and fishing trip.

The bush camp is available for rent at very modest prices but reservations must be made up to a year in advance. The bigger expense involves hauling all the gear in and out. Everyone, including all the gear, is brought in by ferry from Bluff on the south end of the South Island. The ferry delivers everything directly to the campsite. It is even equipped with a crane to load, launch and retrieve the small boats. Pretty typical group of guys on a hunting and fish trip – you can see the kegs lined up in front of the bush shack.

Another view as we traveled up the river.

While we wanted to travel on south to Lords River and Pegasus, the weather forecast argued that we should move on to Fiordland. Reluctantly, we motored back up to Patterson for the night and prepared Iron Lady for the trip up the Foveaux Straight around Point Puysegur Point to the southern most fiords. These shots were taken on the way back up.