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A quiz with real southern charm

PAMELA WADE World famous

Don’t be fooled by the name. This is south sea as in Southern Ocean, not the tropical version.

So the hotel is a sturdy doublefronted building, offering comfortable shelter from what can be hostile elements outside – though the garden tables are a sure sign Rakiura/Stewart Island gets its fair share of lovely weather, too.

Near the base of the jetty where the ferry from Bluff comes in, and just across the road from the sweep of sandy beach at Thomson Bay, the South Sea Hotel is the focal point of Oban and a centre of local life.

This reaches its peak on Sunday nights, when the pub fills with teams of six, islanders and visitors from New Zealand (as they call mainland Kiwis), eager to beat their rivals at the regular quiz night.

The questions range from standard Trivial Pursuit-type ones to more topical questions about local events and places.

It is loud, lively, fun and popular, and builds a friendly vibe throughout the evening.

WHY GO?

Because this is a big weekly event for the island’s 440 permanent residents, and it is a quick way to connect with the locals. Afterwards you can chat and get the inside story about whatever interests you, and probably end up envious of their fierce pride for the island.

Also, the hotel is a great place to get a good feed, ideally of freshly-caught seafood, generously served.

When the evening finally winds down, all you need do is wander up the stairs or down the corridor to your simple but comfortable accommodation.

INSIDER TIP

You will be following in the footsteps of Prince Harry, who turned up to take part one Sunday, in 2015.

By all accounts, a great evening was had by all.

ON THE WAY/NEARBY

It is all about getting out in nature. If you are not up to the three-day Rakiura Track, there are plenty of shorter options. Take a walk around the headland to Horseshoe Bay for great views of tropical-looking clear blue sea and sandy beaches with only birds for company.

Or hire an ebike to head out to the famous anchor chain sculpture, or along the other side of Halfmoon Bay to the start of the short walk to Ackers Point Lighthouse, for more lovely scenery, penguins and seals.

It that sounds like too much effort, take a bus tour of the island’s 27km of road for more inside commentary, or poke around the well-presented little museum.

And there is always Ulva Island nearby, for its amazing birdlife.

HOW MUCH?

Traditional hotel rooms from

$80, or there are motel units, a cottage or a beach house to stay in.

BEST TIME TO GO

On a Sunday night for the quiz (register your team by 6pm), or at the end of any day spent outdoors exploring Rakiura’s delights and working up a healthy appetite. Be sure to book ahead if you are planning on taking part in, or just watching, the 32km Rakiura Challenge trail run on October 1. Visit southseahotel.co.nz.

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2022-08-13T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-08-13T07:00:00.0000000Z

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