The port of Bluff, at the southern end of the South Island of New Zealand is the closest town to Stewart Island. The ferry regularly crosses Foveaux Strait between the two islands.

On my last visit to Stewart Island I found myself at Bluff with the best part of a day to occupy and decided to take a look at Bluff Hill (see map below), an easy walk from Bluff township. The Glory Track is a short easy walking track that passes through a remnant of mature forest. It has lost some of the endemic New Zealand birds that occur on Ulva Island (possibly due to the presence of introduced predators). Nevertheless, it still supports Brown Creepers, Grey Warblers and Silvereyes amongst other species. It is well worth a look.