T
here are those trips 
you look forward to 
and then there are 
the ones that quietly 
take hold of you long 
before they begin, 
and Stewart Island 
was one of those.
When the invite came through to 
join a group of like-minded mates 
on a hunt down south, it didn't 
take long to say yes. The plan was 
simple, a week spent in the Bossem 
Block on Rakiura, a DOC block 
tucked deep inside the vast, wild 
reaches of Port Adventure. Our 
accommodation was a six-bunk hut, 
no frills, and miles of untouched 
country. Exactly how it should be.
I knew little about the area 
beforehand, which only added 
to the anticipation. Evenings 
were spent studying maps and 
satellite imagery, trying to piece 
together what the country 
might hold. Still, nothing really 
prepares you for Stewart Island.
One of the crew was based 
near Gore and had done the 
groundwork. His local knowledge 
and organisation meant those of us 
flying down from Hawke's Bay could 
travel light. By the time we arrived, 
the essentials were already sorted, 
chilly bins, spearguns, fishing gear, 
even a BBQ. It set the tone early and 
this was going to be a well-run trip.
A quick stop at the local 
mainland pub for a beer and a 
solid feed, then it was into final 
preparation with groceries, a few 
extra supplies, and, naturally, a 
box or two to keep morale high. 
That night was filled with quiet 
anticipation, in the morning, we'd 
be crossing Foveaux Strait.
FOVEAUX STRAIT CROSSING
Anyone who's spent time around 
the lower South Island knows the 
reputation that this stretch of 
water carries. As we loaded onto 
the barge with the hire boat in 
tow and pushed off, there was a 
mix of excitement and underlying 
respect for what the straight could 
throw at us. But today Stewart 
Island had other ideas, the crossing 
was glassy, an absolute gift.
Matt Strachan went on a 
bucket list trip to one of 
Godzone’s last remote 
wild bastions for an 
unforgettable hunting 
and fishing experience. 
Towing the rental boat to their 
camp, Port Adventure.
Feature
64  FISHING IN GODZONE MAGAZINE

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.