Stewart Island: Wild Kiwi Encounter

See all (9)

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

Summary

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

Tour info

Duration

4 hours 30 minutes

Dropoff location

Visitor Terminal - Stewart Island Experience, Southland, New Zealand

Why take this tour?

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.

What’s included?

• 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

Things to 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!

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

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

Operator Website

Operated by:

About operator:

Our family business was founded in Fiordland in the 1950’s by tourism and conservation pioneers Les and Olive Hutchins.
Sixty years later, we offer tourism experiences from Stewart Island to Queenstown; including world renowned cruises through Milford and Doubtful Sounds, the Te Anau Glowworm Caves and heritage steamship TSS Earnslaw.
For us, the aim is still quite simple – to share the natural heritage and astounding beauty of the region with visitors – just as our founders intended.