Your hosts Philippa and Ian welcome you to their home - Port of Call. They operate a unique, quality B&B in their relaxed and tastefully decorated home overlooking Halfmoon Bay and Foveaux Strait.
"We live on 20 acres of native bush with abundant birdlife, several walking tracks and the historic Stone House. Being a 6th generation Stewart Island family, we are keen to show you our home of Stewart Island, home of the new Rakiura National Park, and the special things and places this island paradise has to offer."
Philippa has the Midas touch of elegance, and she has thoughtfully furnished Port of Call with tasteful decor and your comfort in mind. We believe that guests here should have their cake and eat it too -- feel like taking a pelagic bird tour but don't want to budge from the couch? You can watch mollymawks soar and hear penguins quack from the comfort of the lounge. Want that luxurious pampered experience but a relaxed and flexible ambiance? That's what we're all about. We've done our share of travelling and we understand what makes a true vacation.
We offer the best of both worlds: our home is nestled in 20 acres of native bush at Acker's Point, surrounded by beautiful gardens and native forest teeming with incredible bird life, and all of this back-dropped by spectacular sea views.
We are right on the edge of town (the house at the end of the road) so if you head to the right you will walk through the charming community of Oban, past boathouses, tethered goats, historic wooden fishing boats moored in wee bays, and into the heart of the town (the famous South Sea Hotel and Pub).
Walk to the left from our door and you will instantly be on one of the best local trails, ambling through coastal forest out to Acker's Point lighthouse and the home of a native bird population that becomes more prodigious with every season, thanks to the pest eradication program of our friends SIRCET. You will notice the ground is riddled with holes - these are the nesting burrows of muttonbirds (sooty shearwaters) and little blue penguins.
It's an easy 25-minute walk along the bays into Oban.
Breakfast: no need for an alarm clock. If the bellbirds don't wake you, the aroma of fresh coffee and croissants will. We offer you a selection of cereal, fresh fruit, fresh juice -- a healthy and generous breakfast to get you off to a great start exploring the Island.
Facilities:
· Guest room with super king or twin beds with electric blankets and stunning views
· Own bathroom with toilet facilities (including hair dryer and toiletries)
· Guest lounge with open fire
· Tea and coffee making facilities, homemade cookies, fruit bowl, fresh flowers
· Courtesy transfers from ferry or flight centre
· Tariff includes continental breakfast
· Other meals by arrangement: dine with host, picnic or packed lunches
The property itself is a historic site, the buildings here include the oldest home on Stewart Island, the stone house of Lewis Acker (and later Captain Harrold) and Travellers' Rest.
most importantly...
Our knowledge of the Island. We love our Island home and we are happy to share the inside fascinating place (Ian can give you first-hand accounts of what's below the waves, as he is a paua diver). We will happily make recommendations on favourite local walks, eateries, and activities. We promise to point you toward the best local guides and concessionaires. It is in our interest that you have the perfect visit, so we promise we won't steer you wrong!