Stewart Island: Wild Kiwi Encounter

4.5 hours

Stewart Island, New Zealand

About this activity

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to encounter the incredible native wildlife of Rakiura Stewart Island. On this experience, you’ll set out to search for marine wildlife and the wild Rakiura tokoeka (southern brown kiwi) with our expert guides

Highlights

Guided native forest walk searching for wild tokoeka (Kiwi) - approx 2 hours
Embark on a 1.5 hour wildlife cruise across Paterson Inlet
Look out for marine life as the sun sets over the islands
Complimentary hot drinks and biscuits on board the vessel
Knowledgeable nature guides share their passion and expertise on local wildlife and history

Full description

Adventures begin 1.5 hrs before the sun sets when you'll head out on a unique nature cruise at sea. Look out for rare marine life, such as tītī/mutton bird, toroa/albatross, hioho/yellow eyed penguin, kororā/little penguin, kekeno/New Zealand fur seal, and other wildlife from the vessel. Cruise around Stewart Island’s smaller neighbouring islands (weather permitting) under beautiful evening skies with plenty of photo opportunities, before you reach Little Glory Cove as dusk falls, your kiwi spotting location.

Enjoy an informative presentation about the Rakiura tokoeka (Southern Brown Kiwi) from our incredible guides, before you disembark into the night under celestial skies. We'll take you across the peninsula and through the coastal forest by torch and starlight before arriving at a secluded sandy beach where elusive tokoeka are sometimes found feeding among the grasses and seaweed. Here, the walk will continue under the stars, searching for wild kiwi.

You have a higher chance of finding kiwis with our expert staff. However, kiwis are wild and unpredictable, and there is no 100% guarantee they will appear. Their rareness and the thrill of searching are what makes the experience special and enjoyable, so we cannot offer refunds if there is no sighting. Instead, $20 per person will be donated to conservation projects at Little Glory Cove, so we can continue to increase the chances of seeing the incredible tokoeka in the wild.

Included / Excluded

• Round-trip cruise
• Guided nature walk with specialist guide
• Torch/flashlight
• Complimentary tea and coffee on the cruise

Accommodation - please pre-arrange somewhere to stay on Stewart Island as the experience finishes late at night

Meeting point

Start Location

Visitor Terminal - Stewart Island Experience, Southland, New Zealand

Important information

Know before you book

Suitable for ages 15+
Due to late return to Oban, you will need pre-arranged accommodation for that evening
Not suitable for anyone struggling to walk independently for more than 1.5 km along uneven ground
Departures are weather dependant
Kiwis are wild and unpredictable, there is no 100% guarantee they will appear but this is part of the thrill and adventure!

Know before you go

Suitable for ages 15+
Due to late return to Oban, you will need pre-arranged accommodation for that evening
Not suitable for anyone struggling to walk independently for more than 1.5 km along uneven ground
Please have sturdy walking shoes/boots (up to approximately 2 hours walking on uneven and muddy tracks)
Waterproof jacket (kiwis are very sensitive to noise so please wear a soft, quiet option where possible)

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Reviews

4.7(1,242 reviews)

Geraldine

Jun 2026

5.0

The Day trip was absolutely fantastic and Brendan our guide was brilliant! I left my umbrella on the bus unfortunately but they are keeping it for me when I go back to Queenstown. Brendan had a great knowledge of the area.. we did lots of stops more than anticipated because everyone on the bus was super organised at getting OFF taking photos and getting back on in a timely manner .good lunch. When we got on the boat initially we were a bit worried that we wouldn’t have good visibility but the whole front area opened up after we got on the water.

GetYourGuide traveler

Jun 2026

5.0

enjoyable and interesting activity. got to learnt more about the glowworms

Emilija

Jun 2026

5.0

Awesome trip! Definitely worth the long drive it was absolutely stunning! The guide was also very friendly and informative! A must see in New Zealand.