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)
Health & restrictions
Age, Height, Weight
- Minimum age: 15
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
Eva
Oct 20265.0
A lovely cruise on Lake Wakatipu aboard the beautiful old TSS Earnslaw! It was fascinating to see how they used to load coal onto the ship and how they still do it today. The ship has so much old fashioned charm and history, making the experience feel like stepping back in time. The scenery was stunning, and the cruise was a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the lake. Definitely worth experiencing!
Shane
Oct 20265.0
fantastic service by all staff, unfortunately the weather didn't play the game for us. but we enjoyed our day
Claire
Oct 20265.0
Feeding the animals we great to watch. The sheep dog rounding up the sheep was the highlight. Afternoon tea was much more than expected.