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Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Experiences

Discover the beauty and mystery of Rakiura Stewart Island’s native wildlife with one of our unforgettable Wild Kiwi experiences; each offering a unique opportunity to explore the island’s rich ecosystem, culture, and history.

Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter

This one-of-a-kind adventure offers the best chance to witness the incredible wildlife of Rakiura Stewart Island, including the elusive southern brown kiwi, known as tokoeka. Our 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.

Before you disembark into the night, you'll learn about the tokoeka from our incredible guides. 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.

  • 1.5-hour nature cruise exploring Stewart Island's marine life
  • Guided 2-hour walk through coastal forest and secluded beach
  • Learn about the Rakiura tokoeka and the island's natural habitat
  • Complimentary hot drinks and biscuits on board
  • Duration: Approximately 4.5 hours
  • Suitable for children 15 years and older

Wild Kiwi and Culture Encounter

Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure and explore Oneke as day turns to night. "The Neck" is a special area, home to unique culture, wild kiwi and beautiful coastal landscapes. Listen to stories of the island’s rich Māori and European history and culture before searching for Rakiura tokoeka (Stewart Island brown kiwi) as night falls. Relax in the whare (Māori building) for a warming cup of cocoa, tea or coffee before your return cruise to Oban.

  • Return sea cruise on a comfortable catamaran
  • Exclusive access to remote and secluded Oneke, ‘The Neck’
  • Evening and night time guided walk along beaches and through forests
  • Storytelling of Oneke’s Māori and European history and culture
  • Searching for wild Rakiura tokoeka (Stewart Island brown kiwi)
  • A hot cup of cocoa, tea or coffee in a brand-new whare (Māori building)
  • Duration: Approximately 4 hours
  • Suitable for children 15 years and older

Please note: Our experiences aim to discover wild kiwis in their natural habitat. While you have a higher chance of finding them with our expert staff, wild animals are unpredictable, and there is no 100% guarantee kiwis will appear. Their rareness, their wild nature, and the thrill of searching are what makes the experience special and enjoyable, so we cannot offer refunds if there is no sighting.

More Information

Departure location

Stewart Island Experience, Main Wharf, Oban - Stewart Island. 
Departure and return times vary depending on sunset, weather and kiwi behaviour.

Please check in 30 minutes prior to departure.

What to bring

  • Sturdy walking shoes/boots, no jandals or barefeet
  • Waterproof jacket (kiwis are very sensitive to noise so please wear a soft, quiet option where possible)
  • Warm sweater/fleece jacket
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera (although no flash photography is allowed around the kiwi)
  • Personal medication including for asthma and allergies

What we provide

  • Return cruise transport
  • Experienced Nature Guide (with a pack containing phone and first aid kit)
  • Torch
  • Complimentary tea & coffee on board our vessel (snacks are available to purchase)

Important information

A reasonable level of fitness is required (total walking time approximately 2 hours depending on kiwi behaviour). The walking track can be uneven and muddy at times, therefore please ensure you wear adequate footwear and are dressed for warmth including a wind and waterproof jacket.  On occasions we may need to cancel a trip due to weather - please ensure that you provide contact information, so that we can keep you updated.

Our experiences aims to discover wild kiwis in their natural habitat. While you have a higher chance of finding them with our expert staff, wild animals are unpredictable, and there is no 100% guarantee kiwis will appear. Their rareness, their wild nature, and the thrill of searching are what makes the experience special and enjoyable, so we cannot offer refunds if there is no sighting.

About Rakiura Tokoeka/Southern Brown Kiwi

  • Tokoeka are a taonga species (a natural treasure and highly valued) to Rakiura Māori  
  • The Rakiura Tokoeka is only found on Stewart Island  
  • Tokoeka meansweka with a walking stick”, referencing their long beak! 
  • The Rakiura Tokoeka are closely related to Fiordland Tokoeka   
  • The tokoeka face many threats, you can help by donating to our trapping initiatives   

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