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

South Sea Hotel - Stewart Island, Half-moon Bay

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From$56 /night
Check-in
30Aug
Check-out
31Aug
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Elgin Terrace, Half-moon Bay, 9846
-
Close to the Bathing Beach
Great
8.4
8.6
/10
3.8
4.2
/5

3-star hotel with beachfront access in Halfmoon Bay

Location

The South Sea Hotel sits at the heart of Halfmoon Bay, just a three-minute walk from the ferry terminal and flight center. Guests can enjoy convenient access to the beach, supermarket, and local attractions within walking distance. The hotel serves as a central hub for exploring Stewart Island and its natural beauty.

Accommodations

The South Sea Hotel offers a range of options, including traditional hotel rooms and the newly added motel studio units. Traditional hotel rooms feature shared facilities and a communal lounge with views of Halfmoon Bay. Motel studio units include private bathrooms and kitchenettes, providing added comfort for guests.

Dining

The hotel's fully licensed A La Carte Restaurant and public bar occupy the first floor and provide fantastic views of Halfmoon Bay. Diners can enjoy a menu emphasizing locally sourced seafood, with options for gluten-free and vegetarian preferences. Daily specials complement the standard menu, offering a diverse dining experience.

Amenities

The hotel offers luggage storage for guests arriving early or departing late, ensuring convenience during travels. A community guest lounge allows visitors to relax while waiting for accommodations or transportation. The South Sea Hotel is also known for its strong ties to the local culture and history.

Activities

Guests can explore various short and long walking tracks suitable for all fitness levels throughout Oban and the national park. Birdwatching enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to view unique bird species, especially on Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary. Local tours, including kiwi spotting and guided walks, are easily accessible.

Highlights

Location: Three-minute walk from ferry terminal

Dining: A La Carte Restaurant with bay views

Accommodations: Traditional hotel rooms and motel studio units

Activities: Birdwatching and guided local tours

“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
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

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
    1 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
  • Single Room
    2 persons
    1 sq. feet
    1 Single bed
    Heating
  • Hotel Twin
    2 persons
    1 sq. feet
    2 Single beds
    Heating
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
August 2026 - August 2027
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Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out

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 in public areas
  • 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
Show more

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.
  • 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, 9846
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
3 minutes' walk
French-inspired crepes and local ingredients create a cozy dining experience, perfect for breakfast or light meals.
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 Bay 2 min  ·  400 ft
  • Airports
    Invercargill (IVC) 111 min  ·  45.8 mi
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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 454 verified reviews
8.4 /10
Great
88 %
Recommend
Breakfast
8.3/10
Cleanliness
8.5/10
Comfort
8.6/10
Facilities
8.1/10
Free WiFi
8.3/10
Location
9.7/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.6/10
Staff
8.9/10
Value for money
8.6/10
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 876 reviews
8.4/10
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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