Stewart Island’s Wild Kiwi Encounter offers an immersive glimpse into the remote Rakiura National Park. Visitors embark on a guided wildlife cruise and night walk, searching for the elusive Rakiura tokoeka kiwi. With a small group size, personalized attention, and knowledgeable guides, guests can explore the island’s diverse marine life. But the true allure of this four-hour adventure lies in the chance to witness one of New Zealand’s most iconic and protected bird species in its natural habitat. For those seeking an unforgettable encounter with the country’s unique wildlife, this tour is not to be missed.
Key Points
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This guided tour takes visitors on a 4-hour exploration of Rakiura National Park on Stewart Island, featuring a wildlife cruise and a nighttime forest walk to search for rare kiwi birds.
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The tour includes a 1.5-hour cruise across Paterson Inlet to observe diverse marine life, such as albatross, penguins, and seals, along with informative presentations by knowledgeable guides.
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During the nighttime forest walk, participants have the opportunity to spot the elusive Rakiura tokoeka (kiwi) under the stars, with a $20 donation to conservation if no kiwi is seen.
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The tour is designed for small groups (maximum 10 participants) to provide a personalized experience, and it is not suitable for children under 15 or those with mobility limitations.
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Visitors can access Stewart Island via ferry from Bluff or flights from Invercargill Airport, and the tour guides are praised for their expertise and enthusiasm in educating participants about the local wildlife and conservation efforts.
Tour Overview
This guided tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Stewart Island’s Rakiura National Park. Priced at SEK 1,596 per person, the 4-hour excursion takes participants on a journey to search for the elusive Rakiura Tokoeka (Southern Brown Kiwi) and other unique local wildlife.
The small group size, limited to 10 people, ensures a personalized experience led by knowledgeable nature guides. Guests can look forward to a 1.5-hour wildlife cruise across Paterson Inlet, where they may spot seabirds, penguins, and seals.
The tour also includes a guided night walk in the coastal forest, with the possibility of encountering the iconic kiwi under the stars. Complimentary hot drinks and biscuits are provided throughout the adventure.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Stewart Island.
Pricing and Logistics
The tour is priced at SEK 1,596 per person, with a duration of 4 hours and a limited group size of up to 10 participants.
The tour is conducted in English, and there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also reserve their spot and pay later.
The meeting point is the Visitor Terminal in Oban on Stewart Island, and participants should arrive 20 minutes early.
Warm clothing, hiking shoes, rain gear, and insect repellent are recommended.
Unfortunately, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 15, wheelchair users, or those unable to walk independently for more than 1.5 km on uneven ground.
The departures are weather-dependent.
Wildlife Highlights
During the 1.5-hour wildlife cruise across Paterson Inlet, participants can look for a variety of marine life, including tītī/mutton bird, toroa/albatross, hioho/yellow-eyed penguin, korora/little penguin, and kekeno/New Zealand fur seal.
The knowledgeable nature guides share their expertise on these local species, providing an informative presentation.
Guests may also have the chance to spot the rare Rakiura tokoeka, or Southern Brown Kiwi, during the guided nighttime forest walk.
While there’s no guarantee of kiwi sightings, the tour donates $20 per person to conservation efforts if no kiwi is seen, ensuring that the experience supports the protection of these iconic New Zealand birds.
Activity Details
Participants depart 1.5 hours before sunset for a nature cruise across Paterson Inlet, searching for rare marine life around Stewart Island’s smaller islands.
During the cruise, knowledgeable nature guides provide an informative presentation about the elusive Rakiura tokoeka, or Southern Brown Kiwi.
Following the wildlife cruise, the group embarks on a guided nighttime walk in the coastal forest to search for these iconic birds under the stars. While sightings aren’t guaranteed, the tour company donates $20 per person to conservation projects if no kiwis are spotted.
The experience highlights include:
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Viewing seabirds like tītī/mutton bird, toroa/albatross, and hioho/yellow-eyed penguin
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Spotting kekeno/New Zealand fur seals
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Enjoying complimentary hot drinks and biscuits on board
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Learning about the local wildlife and history from expert guides
Preparing for the Tour
To make the most of the wild kiwi encounter, visitors should prepare accordingly.
Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking shoes are a must, as the nighttime forest walk can be damp and uneven. Insect repellent is also recommended to ward off any pesky bugs.
Arriving 20 minutes early at the Visitor Terminal in Oban on Stewart Island ensures a punctual departure for the tour.
It’s important to note that this tour isn’t suitable for children under 15, wheelchair users, or individuals unable to walk independently for more than 1.5 km on uneven ground.
With the right gear and preparation, visitors can fully enjoy the search for the elusive Rakiura tokoeka, or Southern Brown Kiwi, under the stars.
Getting to Stewart Island
Visitors to Stewart Island can reach the island either by a short ferry ride from Bluff or by air from Invercargill Airport. The ferry, operated by Stewart Island Experience, takes approximately 1 hour to cross the Foveaux Strait and departs multiple times daily.
Alternatively, passengers can fly with Air Chathams, with flights taking just 20 minutes from Invercargill.
Travelers have several options for getting to the island:
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Ferry from Bluff, departing multiple times daily
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Flights from Invercargill Airport with Air Chathams, taking 20 minutes
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Private boat or yacht for a more independent journey
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Helicopter transfers for a scenic aerial view
Once on the island, visitors can explore the stunning natural landscapes and search for the elusive Rakiura Tokoeka, or Southern Brown Kiwi.
Customer Feedback
Customers consistently praise the expertise and enthusiasm of the tour guides, who share their deep knowledge of the local wildlife and history. The guides’ commitment to conservation and ability to spot elusive Rakiura tokoeka (Southern Brown Kiwi) have earned them rave reviews.
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4.6/5 |
| Guide | 5/5 |
| Transportation | 4.8/5 |
| Value | 4.7/5 |
With 70 reviews, the tour boasts an impressive 4.6/5 rating. Customers highlight the quality of the experience, from the scenic wildlife cruise to the captivating nighttime kiwi search. Even when the rare birds evade sighting, the tour’s conservation donation softens the disappointment, reflecting the company’s focus on sustainability.
Conservation Efforts
The tour operator’s commitment to conservation is evident in their approach, with a portion of the tour proceeds going directly to protect the endangered Rakiura tokoeka (Southern Brown Kiwi).
The guides share their expertise on local wildlife, educating visitors about the importance of preserving these unique species.
The tour also supports conservation efforts in the following ways:
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A $20 per person donation is made to local conservation projects if no kiwi sightings occur during the tour.
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The small group size and guided nature walks help minimize disturbance to the delicate ecosystem.
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The company partners with local organizations to ensure sustainable tourism practices are followed.
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Profits from the tour are reinvested into ongoing conservation initiatives on Stewart Island.
Recap
The Wild Kiwi Encounter on Stewart Island offers a unique opportunity to witness the elusive Rakiura tokoeka kiwi in their natural habitat.
This immersive experience not only provides a chance to observe diverse marine life and learn from knowledgeable guides, but also supports vital conservation efforts aimed at protecting New Zealand’s precious avian species.
It’s an unforgettable adventure that allows visitors to connect with the island’s remarkable wildlife.
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