Stewart Island / Rakiura - Economy and Communications

Economy and Communications

Fishing has been, historically, the most important element of the economy of Stewart Island/Rakiura, and while it remains important, tourism has become the main source of income for islanders. There is also some farming and forestry. Oban has mainly sealed main roads, and some gravel roads on the outskirts.

Southern Air links Ryan's Creek Aerodrome and Invercargill Airport and aircraft also land on the sand at Mason Bay, Doughboy Bay, and West Ruggedy Beach. A regular passenger ferry service runs between Bluff and Oban. The only ferry/barge link to the South Island for vehicles is to Bluff.

Oban has a fully functional phone and broadband (ADSL), but cellphone coverage is limited to Telecom's XT/3G network and all these services rely upon a radio link to Bluff, so broadband speeds are limited.