It’s been raining most of the day but as it clears, we take the opportunity to quickly walk to our last activity for the trip. We make our way around Half Moon bay and up the hill to Bunkhouse Theatre. We are booked in to see ‘A Local’s Tail’.

We are greeted by Penny and welcomed into her home. Penny lives in an old Norwegian whaling bunkhouse that was moved over from the original Rakiura whaling settlement. The cottage oozes charm. There is so much history in these floors and walls.

We are offered tea and coffee and take a seat in the kitchen to chat about life on the island. Penny has old maps and photos laid out for us to look at as she shares some of the island’s history and the story of the Bunkhouse.

When the whaling era came to an end, the local church purchased the bunkhouse for 100 pounds and had it moved to its current site to be used as the church hall. The bunkhouse was originally brought over from Norway as a kit set, so it was able to be dismantled, moved across the island and then reassembled. It still retains its beautiful old flooring. Bench seats have been made from rimu that was sourced from the island and old Sunday school chairs have been fixed to the wall to act as an open pantry. Looking around the bunkhouse is candy for the eyes. There are so many stories within these walls.

After chatting for half an hour or so, we make some popcorn in the old retro machine and take a seat to watch A Local’s Tail. It’s a short film that shares stories and history of the island, narrated by Lola, Penny’s beloved dog. Lola takes you on a journey from the fishy depths of the ocean to the tops of the trees, giving a glimpse into local life in times gone by.

It’s a fun and interesting way to get an understanding of the people and events that have helped to shape this island into what it is today. After 4 days of adventures, history and stories on the island, this film was a wonderful way to wrap up our stay in this stunning place.

This is my 8th post on Rakiura and we were only there for 4 nights. We managed to pack so much into this trip! It was right for our first visit, I wanted to see and experience as much of the island as I could. If I am lucky enough to visit again, I would slow it right down. Soak in the forest, listen to the birds, read a book in the sun, relax on the beach.

When I initially told friends and family we were heading here, I was asked a few times – is there much to do there? The answer of course is YES!

But I would say, you need to love the outdoors. If resorts, cities and shopping is more your thing, this isn’t the place for you. But if you love to immerse yourself in nature, marvel at the stars, listen to the rhythmic sounds of the ocean and hear dawn’s chorus, then put this place on your bucket list.

You will fall in love with Rakiura, just like I have.