Day Two: Your second day starts with coffee and breakfast. We’ll then weigh anchor and set sail for today’s destination, pastoral Stuart Island. Your route will be determined by the prevailing conditions, but you’ll want to keep a sharp lookout for whales. Orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales are often seen in this area. Your route may carry you past the Patos Island lighthouse and the Turn Point Light Station, which present epic photo opportunities.

A visit to Stuart Island is like going back in time! Many of the families that live there are descendants of the pioneers who settled on the island. The island is off the grid, so those who require electricity must make their own.

While there, you may choose to walk to the Light Station. You may tour the restored light keeper’s quarters and the museum or sit on the huge verandah and put your feet up.

Along the way, you’ll see yaks (yes, yaks!) grazing at Ericksen Farm, which has been in operation for over a hundred years.

Another point of interest is the one-room schoolhouse which was in operation until just a few years ago.

You can also buy a locally designed souvenir from one of the treasure chests found around the island, which offer their wares on the honor system. Simply take what you want and pay when you get home. Prevost Harbor is another great place to paddle.