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Sightseeing Cruises

Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter

Tourists on a boat in Stewart Island view the lush, tree-covered shoreline.
Yellow-eyed penguin on rocky, grassy slope, Stewart Island.
Kiwi bird foraging on the ground in a dark natural setting.
Tourists on a boat at sunset on Stewart Island watching the coastline and sky.

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

    • 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.

  • 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.

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