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From73US$ /night
Check-in
01Mar2026Select date
Check-out
02Mar2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Elgin Terrace, Half-moon Bay, New Zealand, 9846
-
Close to the Bathing Beach
Great
8.3
8.6
/10
4.1
4.2
/5

Accommodation Options

The South Sea Hotel offers diverse accommodation types to cater to all visitors. Traditional hotel rooms include shared facilities and a communal guest lounge with a view of Halfmoon Bay. The motel studio units, the newest addition, come with their own bathrooms and kitchenettes for added convenience.

Dining Experience

A fully licensed A La Carte Restaurant and Public Bar span the entire first floor of the main hotel, providing views of Halfmoon Bay. The restaurant focuses on locally sourced seafood, complemented by daily specials that cater to various tastes. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are also available, ensuring all guests can enjoy a meal.

Location and Accessibility

Situated on the foreshore in Oban, the South Sea Hotel is mere minutes from essential services and attractions like the Ferry Terminal and local supermarket. The hotel is only a three-minute walk from the arrival points for both ferry and plane travel. Its central position makes it a handy base for exploring Stewart Island.

Unique Nearby Attractions

The surrounding area offers an array of outdoor activities, including various walking tracks and birdwatching opportunities on Ulva Island. The island is known for its unique birdlife, attracting birdwatchers from around the globe to observe rare species. Local tours allow visitors to learn more about the island's natural beauty and wildlife.

Cottage and Beach House Options

The hotel also provides additional housing options like a four-bedroom cottage and a beach house that can comfortably accommodate up to six guests. Both the cottage and beach house are equipped with necessary facilities, including a full kitchen. This flexibility in accommodation is suitable for larger groups or families wishing to stay together.

Highlights

Location: 3-minute walk from Ferry Terminal

Dining: Seafood-focused restaurant with daily specials

Accommodation: Comfortable motel studio units with kitchenettes

Attractions: Birdwatching opportunities on Ulva Island

Extra: Private four-bedroom cottage available

“This is a solid base for exploring Stewart Island, particularly appealing to hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. Rooms are simple and clean, and while tech amenities might be limited, the on-site bar and restaurant provide satisfying meals, with the seafood chowder earning high marks. Its location on the flat is convenient, and some rooms even offer standalone houses with sea views.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double or Twin Room
2 persons
15 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Single Room
2 persons
15 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Heating
Hotel Twin
2 persons
15 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Heating
Traditional Hotel Double plus Single
2 persons
15 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Heating
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Facilities

South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.1/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Billiard tables
  • Darts

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Happy hour

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Beach access
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

At the South Sea Hotel on Stewart Island, guests are invited to indulge in a delightful culinary adventure at Restaurant #1. This family-friendly dining establishment offers a menu rich in Australian and seafood specialties, accommodating diverse dietary preferences in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island Half-moon Bay Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

Seafood, Australian
Ambiance
Family friendly, Traditional
Key Offerings
A selection of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options ensures a satisfying meal for all. Guests can enjoy hearty breakfasts, leisurely lunches, and comforting dinners, making it a perfect spot for families and casual gatherings.
Reservation
Recommended
Open for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island Location

Elgin Terrace, Half-moon Bay, New Zealand, 9846
Map view
Elgin Terrace, Half-moon Bay, New Zealand, 9846
Nearby
Museum
Rakiura Museum
1400 ft
12 Elgin Terrace
Oban Visitor Centre
1400 ft
48 Excelsior Rd
Observation Rock Viewpoint
1400 ft
Restaurants
Kiwi-French Creperie
800 ft
Main Road
KaiKart Takeaways
1300 ft
on Ayr Street beside the Rakiura Museum
Explore Half-moon Bay
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Rakiura Museum
Rakiura Museum
6 minutes' walk
Rakiura Museum showcases Stewart Island's history, culture, and natural environment with engaging exhibits and local artifacts.
Oban Visitor Centre
6 minutes' walk
The Oban Visitor Centre provides insights into the island's attractions and activities, plus local maps and brochures.
Butterfield Beach
17 minutes' walk
Butterfield Beach offers stunning scenery, golden sands, and an ideal spot for a peaceful picnic or a walk by the water.
Halfmoon Bay
Halfmoon Bay
30 minutes walking
Halfmoon Bay features picturesque views and opportunities for kayaking and wildlife spotting along its scenic shores.
Ulva Island Guided Tours
7-minute drive
Ulva Island offers guided tours through pristine rainforests, showcasing native wildlife and flora; booking recommended.
Kayaking at Halfmoon Bay
30 minutes walking
Kayaking in Halfmoon Bay provides thrilling water adventures, with rentals available nearby for all skill levels.
Walking the Rakiura Track
12-minute drive
The Rakiura Track is a scenic hike featuring beautiful vistas, suitable for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Kiwi-French Creperie
Kiwi-French Creperie
3 minutes' walk
French-inspired crepes and local ingredients create a cozy dining experience, perfect for breakfast or light meals.
KaiKart Takeaways
KaiKart Takeaways
5 minutes' walk
A laid-back eatery serving delicious fish and chips and other takeaway favorites, perfect for a casual meal by the beach.
Rakiura/Rakiura Island Festival
7-minute drive
The annual festival features live music, local crafts, and food stalls, celebrating the vibrant culture and community spirit.
Oban Community Events
6 minutes' walk
Oban hosts various community events monthly, including trivia nights and family-friendly activities for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Half-moon Bay2 min  ·  400 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-20:00
Check-out
from 07:00-10:00
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
23

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 341 verified reviews
8.3/10
Great
88%
Recommend
Breakfast
8.3/10
Cleanliness
8.6/10
Comfort
8.5/10
Facilities
8.1/10
Free Wi-Fi
7.3/10
Location
9.6/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
8.5/10
Pros
Comfortable bed
Good room size
Central location
Easy ferry access
Private bathroom
Cons
Thin walls
Noisy pub
Shared facilities
Pricey food
Guest reviews
based on 323 reviews
4/5
based on 763 reviews
8.3/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Questions of the users
About South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island
Are there still motel units available with private bathrooms and kitchenettes? If so, what's the best way to reserve one?
15 March 2024
Motel units are still available for booking. Please call for assistance with your reservation.
Is there an option for meals at the hotel? Are there cafes nearby for lunch and dinner?
22 April 2024
Yes, the hotel features a restaurant and bar on the ground floor, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Which accommodations come with private bathrooms? Are all rooms shared facilities?
12 May 2024
Only the motel studio units come with private bathrooms. Other accommodations have shared facilities.
Can I store my luggage at the hotel if my travel plans require me to remain on the island until evening?
18 June 2024
Yes, luggage storage is available until your departure, ensuring convenience for your travel schedule.
Is it possible to check in before the official check-in time?
3 July 2024
Guests can arrive anytime after reaching the island. If the room is ready, early check-in is possible. Otherwise, luggage storage is offered until check-in.
What amenities do the studio units provide?
20 August 2024
Studio units come equipped with tea and coffee making facilities, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
Can three people comfortably stay in the studio units?
14 September 2024
Yes, the studio units are designed to accommodate three people, featuring a queen bed and a single bed.
Is there a laundry facility available for guests at the hotel?
11 October 2024
Yes, a self-service guest laundry is available, equipped with washing machines and dryers for a fee.
Does the hotel provide WiFi for guests during their stay?
6 November 2024
Complimentary WiFi is available for all guests throughout the hotel.
What is the difference between dining options at the hotel's restaurant and pub?
22 December 2024
The restaurant offers table service and a menu with daily specials, while the pub has a more casual setting with orders taken at the bar.

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Check-in
01Mar2026Select date
Check-out
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room

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South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island Half-moon Bay Exterior photo

South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island

8.3
Great763 reviews
400 ft from center
66 US$
73 US$
per night
Mobile-only price