The Snuggery: Rakiura

Location: 9 Ayr Street, Oban, Rakiura (Stewart Island)

About the project: The last leg of the 2026 great southern journey took us across the ocean again to a precious little place called Rakiura.

@thesnuggery.rakiura asked for the design to honour some of the magical critters of the island, depicted in tones of this cozy, delicious, and very popular spot.

From left to right: Green hooded orchids, Tukutuku Rakiurae (harlequin gecko), Umbrella moss, South Island Lichen moth, Mohua (yellow head), and Kōwhai.

I nestled with my paints in the front garden with the wild flowers and the dogs, chatting to the locals (somehow simultaneously relaxed and hard-core) and bouncy travelers with tramping packs and hot coffees.

Massive thanks to the Snuggery fam for hosting Pipi and I so generously. 🧡🤎💛