South Sea Hotel

Above. The inaugural flight to Stewart Island
Credit: Rakiura Museum
Regular amphibian flights to Stewart Island were inaugurated on 1 October 1951 using a Gruman Widgeon (ZK-AVM) flying with Amphibian Airways.
In 1952 ZK-AVM was joined by a second Gruman Widgeon (ZK-BAY)
The business was taken over by Tourist Air Travel, then later by Mount Cook Airlines and eventually by Southern Air Services.

Above. Pilot John Hasset Halfmoon Bay Landing
Credit: NZTV Archives

The aircraft initially landed in Paterson Inlet but after upgrading, including fitting 260HP Continental flat six engines and variable pitch props, Halfmoon Bay became the preferred site

Above. A fully restored Gruman Widgeon
The Grumman G-44 Widgeon is a small, five-person, twin-engined, amphibious aircraft. It was designated J4F by the United States Navy and was the smaller sibling to the Gruman Goose

Crew: 1
Capacity: 4 passengers (as utility aircraft)
Length: 31 ft 1 in (9.47 m)
Wingspan: 40 ft 0 in (12.19 m)
Height: 11 ft 5 in (3.48 m)
Wing area: 245 sq ft (22.8 m2)
Empty weight: 3,240 lb (1,470 kg)
Gross weight: 4,525 lb (2,053 kg)
Maximum speed: 153 mph (246 km/h, 133 kn)
Cruise speed: 138 mph (222 km/h, 120 kn)
Range: 920 mi (1,480 km, 800 nmi)
Service ceiling: 14,600 ft (4,500 m)
Rate of climb: 700 ft/min (3.6 m/s)
Credit: Wikipedia