We found this Wild Kiwi Encounter to be extremely informative and interesting. The entire crew were very helpful, knowledgeable, and passionate about this entire tour! This tour is not just a walk through the forest at night, but it entails an experience that allows the visitor to have a greater understanding of the Kiwi as well as the surrounding islands!
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.