TOKOEKA is the Maori word for Brown Kiwi My name is Isabelle Broughton,I have lived and loved living on Stewart Island for over 20 years My husband Hugh had a long affinity with Stewart Island , first coming here when he was 5 years old and was a frequent visitor over the years. In 1981 Hugh purchased a holiday house in Half moon Bay . In 1990 Hugh retired from Farming and sold same in 1993,he then took up permenent residence on Stewart island. The same year Hugh and I met on a Cruise Ship holiday which was sailing the Pacific Ocean. Later that year Hugh convinced me to visit his Paradise, tread the many walking tracks and taste the famous Blue Cod, Crayfish, Paua but most of all taste the Bluff Oysters! so ........ I made the journey across the Tasman to see for myself and was most impressed with the sheer magic and beauty of Stewart Island. I was born and bred in N.S.W. Australia and had been a Professional Nurse for 30 years. Coming to such a remote place was somehow exciting and frightening to say the least! Soon the Island and it's people became part of my world and beckoned me to return very often and I soon became a regular Stewart Island visitor. I eventually bid farewell to my home in Australia and married then made my home on Stewart Island We loved to travel the world and enjoy meeting people from all corners. Hugh loved his fishing and boating trips and telling jokes. I am a keen Birder, living on Stewart Island makes it as easy as one can study the many variety of birds in our own Garden that may nest or visit. I love to paint in Oils and Watercolor and have sold my art for 10 years. Photography has become of great interest to me. Once we settled in to the routine of Stewart island we became interested in Hospitality and purchased a large house which abutted our own called Tokoeka which became a first self servicing accommodation for 6 years.
The old house became a popular venue for guests from 1994 until it was demolished and re built as our new home. We immediately set up our old home called Kiti Moana as a self servicing accommodation (since sold) and opened our doors to visitors in our beautiful new home as Bed and breakfast accommodation. We had enjoyed this avenue of hospitality for over 10 years ,so come and visit and allow me to make your stay on beautiful Stewart Island one of the best holiday experiences you will have. Since my first entry my husband Hugh has passed away ,this happened in December 2007 after a long illness, I continue to enjoy Stewart Island, it's wonderful people and the guests I have to stay,come and see for yourself and enjoy the best in true Southern hospitality |
