Stewart Island

This guided wildlife adventure is perfect for nature lovers eager to spot rare birds, explore lush forests, and cruise the scenic waters of Stewart Island.

Cruise across Paterson Inlet, gliding past hidden coves and sandy beaches while keeping watch for fur seals, penguins, and seabirds along the way.

Step into Ulva Island’s predator-free sanctuary and follow a guide through the lush rainforest, where rare saddlebacks, yellowheads, and weka thrive.

Hear the calls of tūī and bellbirds as you walk beneath towering rimu and southern rātā trees, learning about native plants and their ecosystem.

Fun fact: Ulva Island, once known as Coopers Island, was named after Scotland’s Ulva in the Inner Hebrides, reflecting its deep historical ties to early settlers.

Explore Stewart Island’s beauty on a 90-minute guided tour, where a local expert shares Māori legends and the island’s rich history.

Visit Lee Bay, the gateway to Rakiura National Park, and see the iconic anchor chain sculpture symbolizing Stewart Island’s deep connection to the mainland.

Take in the views from Observation Rock, overlooking Paterson Inlet and the surrounding islets—a perfect spot for photos.

Travel comfortably aboard a modern minibus, enjoying a smooth and relaxed ride through Stewart Island’s scenic town and bays.

Did you know? According to Māori legend, Stewart Island is the anchor stone of the South Island canoe (Te Waka o Aoraki).

Experience the best of Stewart Island in one plan — scenic ferry travel paired with a rare wild kiwi encounter.

Travel between Bluff and Stewart Island with round-trip ferry transfers, live onboard commentary, and complimentary tea or coffee as you cross the Foveaux Strait.

Join the Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Experience, featuring a sunset cruise to Little Glory Cove and a guided evening walk with an expert nature guide to search for kiwi in their natural habitat.

See Stewart Island’s wild kiwi on a 4–4.5 hour guided evening tour with a scenic sunset cruise.

Follow your guide on a 2-hour torchlit walk through forest and along the beach to spot the elusive southern brown kiwi.

Glide across Paterson Inlet on a peaceful sunset cruise, spotting seabirds, penguins, and seals along the way.

Upgrade to the Wild Kiwi & Cultural Experience at Oneke for Māori and European heritage storytelling and a warm drink in a traditional whare.

Explore the wild beauty of Oneke with a scenic cruise, guided forest and coastal walk, exclusive access, and incredible wildlife sightings.

Begin your journey with a relaxing boat ride to Oneke, ‘The Neck,’ a remote and historically rich part of Stewart Island.

Trek across coastal and forest trails with your guide, learning about the region’s ecology and spotting native wildlife.

Step into a world few get to see—Oneke’s hidden landscapes and deep-rooted Māori and European history, revealed by your expert guide.

Did you know? Oneke is called The Neck due to its narrow shape between ocean waters.