Mason Bay Hut was a lovely place to call home for 2 nights. It had 3 separate sleeping quarters from the common room, and J & I had our own bunk room both nights, even though the 20-bunk hut was filled to its brim our second night. During the day, we lounged around the empty hut reading, writing, eating and listening to the birdsong of tui, bellbirds, robins and kaka.
Mason Bay has a reputation for kiwi sightings, although only 30% of visitors spot one. I am disappointed to report that the odds were not in our favor. But not because of a lack of effort. We day and night hiked in the bush and sand dunes about 10K searching for kiwi. None made their presence known.
Despite our failed kiwi sighting, we thoroughly enjoyed our downtime and can now say we've been to Stewart Island.
Not sure what's next ... It depends on how successful we are with hitchhiking!
