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From73US$ /night
Check-in
14Jan2026Select date
Check-out
15Jan2026Select 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
4.2
4.2
/5

Rooms at South Sea

The South Sea Hotel offers multiple room types. Traditional hotel rooms, located upstairs in the main building, include shared facilities and a communal guest lounge with tea and coffee. Motel studio units, adjacent to the main hotel, feature a kitchenette and an en suite bathroom. The Cottage, near the hotel, includes four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The Beach House, a short walk from the hotel, has three bedrooms, sleeps up to six, and includes a full kitchen. Standard room amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access, a flat-screen TV, a wardrobe/closet, and a refrigerator. Some rooms have sea or garden views; select rooms feature a balcony with Halfmoon Bay views. Note that pricing may vary based on single or double occupancy.

Restaurant and Pub

The South Sea Hotel's Restaurant and Pub are located on the first floor of the main building. The restaurant focuses on seafood dishes made from local ingredients, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available. The standard menu is complemented by daily specials. The restaurant serves cooked breakfast from 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM and continental breakfast from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Lunch is served from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM during winter). Dinner is served from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, with last seating at 7:30 PM. A slightly different menu may be available in the Pub during the evenings. Table service is offered in the Restaurant, while orders are placed at the bar in the Pub.

Leisure and Activities

Guests can book wildlife tours at the tour desk, including kiwi and sea lion viewing. Bravo Adventure Cruises, a 5-minute walk from The South Sea Hotel, offers fishing trips. The hotel is located near Rakiura National Park and Observation Rock. The hotel provides information on short and long walks and tramping tracks to suit all fitness levels. Birdwatching on Ulva Island offers opportunities to view unique species. The Rakiura Museum houses items and photographs of Stewart Island's early history. Other activities include watching A Local's Tail film and carving greenstone creations at Rakiura Jade.

Location and Access

The South Sea Hotel is located in the center of Halfmoon Bay on the foreshore. It is a short walk from the Ferry Terminal, Flight Centre, and Supermarket. The hotel is a 3-minute walk from the ferry or plane arrival points. Stewart Island Flights operates a courtesy van from the airstrip to the Halfmoon Bay waterfront. The ferry arrives at the main wharf in Halfmoon Bay, a short walk to the hotel.

Hotel Services

South Sea Hotel includes amenities such as laundry facilities, a garden, and a bar. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available. Luggage storage is available for guests before check-in or after check-out; alternatively, the ferry and flight offices can hold luggage until departure. Safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit. Subsidized accommodation and meals are available for staff.

“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

The hotel 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 m² 
1 King-size bed
Heating
Single Room
2 persons
1 m² 
1 Single bed
Heating
Hotel Twin
2 persons
1 m² 
2 Single beds
Heating
Traditional Hotel Double plus Single
2 persons
1 m² 
1 King-size bed
Heating
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Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

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

Location

Elgin Terrace, Half-moon Bay, New Zealand, 9846
Map view
Elgin Terrace, Half-moon Bay, New Zealand, 9846
Nearby
Museum
Rakiura Museum
420 m
12 Elgin Terrace
Oban Visitor Centre
420 m
48 Excelsior Rd
Observation Rock Viewpoint
420 m
Restaurants
Kiwi-French Creperie
220 m
Main Road
KaiKart Takeaways
390 m
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  ·  100 m
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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
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
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
14Jan2026Select date
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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
Great720 reviews
100 m from center
66 US$
73 US$
per night
Mobile-only price