Sightseeing Cruises

Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter

Kiwi bird foraging on the ground in a dark natural setting.

Guide pointing to green coastline from a boat on Stewart Island.

Tourists on a boat in Stewart Island view the lush, tree-covered shoreline.

Yellow-eyed penguin on rocky, grassy slope, Stewart Island.

Duration

4 hr - 4 hr 30 min

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

4.9/5

(10)

Margaret

Feb 2026

Verified booking

The crew were fabulous. We saw a variety of wildlife along the way. Penguins, seals, sea lions and many birds. The walk for the kiwis was great - but no kiwis to be seen. We did hear them and see some footprints on the beach. The owls were lovely to see and hear them singing to each other. Thank you to the crew for their hard work.

Aislinn

Feb 2026

Verified booking

We seen 5 kiwi when out on our tour with Sarah and Bevan. The guides where fantastic and even though they have seen lots of kiwis before their excitement was contagious when we encountered the kiwis. They checked in to ensure pace was good for everyone and where very knowledgeable about both kiwis and the history.

Holly

Jan 2026

Verified booking

The experience was unbelievable, such an awesome time and the guides (Sarah, Harry and Shane) were incredible. Very knowledgeable, respectful of the land, the culture and the animals. It was a privilege to do this tour and even more of a bonus to see 9 Kiwi in one night. Definitely recommend.

Susanne

Nov 2025

Verified booking

The guides were very committed and we learned a lot about the Maori history, traditions and culture. It was a great tour, even if no kiwi wanted to show up. Many thanks to the two girls and the captains for us it was an unforgettable experience. We can recommend the tour to anyone interested in Maori culture and nature here on Steward Island and the neighbouring islands.

Teevin

Dec 2025

Verified booking

I had a great time on the Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter tour! The guides were enthusiastic, and I loved the mix of learning about the wildlife (sea lions and kiwi) as well as more about Māori culture. The guides spoke in te reo Māori and translated afterwards, really helping create an immersive experience.

Cynthia

Jan 2026

Verified booking

We were amazed at the wildlife we saw on our cruise and walk: yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, sea lions, albatross, shags, and, of course, kiwi! We appreciated our knowledgeable guides/kiwi spotters!

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.

4 to 4.5-hour Stewart Island wild kiwi experience

Sunset marine cruise from Oban to Little Glory Cove

Expert nature guide

Guided 2-hour evening & night walk

Kiwi spotting at Little Glory Cove or Oneke (The Neck) (as per option selected)

Cultural storytelling about Oneke’s Māori & European history (as per option selected)

Return cruise to Oban from Little Glory Cove or Oneke (The Neck) (as per option selected)

Complimentary hot beverages onboard or at a Maori whare (as per option selected)

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

10 reviews
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These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from Germany, United States, United Kingdom and over 7 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Margaret
Feb 2026
Verified booking
The crew were fabulous. We saw a variety of wildlife along the way. Penguins, seals, sea lions and many birds. The walk for the kiwis was great - but no kiwis to be seen. We did hear them and see some footprints on the beach. The owls were lovely to see and hear them singing to each other. Thank you to the crew for their hard work.
Aislinn
Feb 2026
Verified booking
We seen 5 kiwi when out on our tour with Sarah and Bevan. The guides where fantastic and even though they have seen lots of kiwis before their excitement was contagious when we encountered the kiwis. They checked in to ensure pace was good for everyone and where very knowledgeable about both kiwis and the history.
Holly
Jan 2026
Verified booking
The experience was unbelievable, such an awesome time and the guides (Sarah, Harry and Shane) were incredible. Very knowledgeable, respectful of the land, the culture and the animals. It was a privilege to do this tour and even more of a bonus to see 9 Kiwi in one night. Definitely recommend.
Cynthia
Jan 2026
Verified booking
We were amazed at the wildlife we saw on our cruise and walk: yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, sea lions, albatross, shags, and, of course, kiwi! We appreciated our knowledgeable guides/kiwi spotters!
Teevin
Dec 2025
Verified booking
I had a great time on the Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter tour! The guides were enthusiastic, and I loved the mix of learning about the wildlife (sea lions and kiwi) as well as more about Māori culture. The guides spoke in te reo Māori and translated afterwards, really helping create an immersive experience.

Spot Stewart Island’s elusive wild kiwi on a guided evening adventure with a scenic sunset cruise and an expert guide.

Getting started

Your ticket includes a 4–4.5-hour evening tour of Stewart Island. Arrive 30 minutes early at Stewart Island Experience, Main Wharf, Oban to check in and meet your expert guide before boarding the sunset cruise to Little Glory Cove.

What to expect

Sunset cruise across Paterson Inlet: Glide through calm waters as the sun sets, spotting seabirds, penguins, and seals along the way.

Guided night walk: Follow your expert guide on a 2-hour torchlit walk through coastal forest and along the beach in search of the shy southern brown kiwi (Rakiura tokoeka).

Kiwi spotting: See these rare birds in their natural habitat, using quiet observation techniques led by your guide.

Return cruise: After the walk, enjoy a scenic return trip to Oban, reflecting on the wildlife you’ve seen along the way.

Warm beverages: Sip complimentary hot drinks onboard the boat, with additional snacks available for purchase.

Guided every step: Relax as your guide ensures safety and shares fascinating insights into Stewart Island’s wildlife.

What to bring

Wear sturdy walking shoes as this experience requires walking through uneven and muddy terrain.

Bring a warm jacket as the temperature can get cooler in the evenings.

Pack your medications, just in case they’re not available onsite.

What's not allowed

Flash photography is not allowed in this experience.

This experience is restricted for guests below the age of 15.

Accessibility

This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

This experience requires a moderate level of fitness, as it involves a 2-hour guided walk through forest and along beaches.

This experience is not suitable for pregnant women and guests with heart or other medical issues.

Additional information

This experience can accommodate up to a maximum of 16 people.

Snacks are available on board the cruise for purchase.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.