Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Experiences
Overview
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5 hours 20 minutes
Mobile ticket
Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounters
Experience the magic of Rakiura/Stewart Island on an unforgettable evening adventure. Begin with a scenic cruise around nearby islands (weather permitting), spotting rare seabirds and marine life like albatross, penguins, and fur seals. As dusk falls, arrive at your kiwi-spotting destination for a guided walk under the stars.
Choose from two unique experiences:
Wild Kiwi Encounter: Journey through coastal forest and along a secluded beach by torchlight in search of the elusive tokoeka (southern brown kiwi).
Wild Kiwi & Culture Encounter: Explore Oneke, a culturally rich area known as “The Neck,” where you’ll hear stories of Māori and European heritage before your kiwi search. End the night with a warm drink in a traditional whare (Māori building) before cruising back to Oban.
Important Info: Approx. 2 hours of walking required. Tracks may be muddy or uneven—sturdy footwear and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not suitable for children under 16 years
A reasonable level of fitness is required
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Complimentary tea and coffee on board return scenic cruise
What To Expect
RealNZ
Check in at the Ferry Terminal
Stewart Island
Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounters Join us for an unforgettable evening exploring Rakiura/Stewart Island’s wildlife and culture. Begin with a scenic cruise spotting rare seabirds and marine life before arriving at your kiwi-spotting location. On the Wild Kiwi Encounter, enjoy a guided torchlit walk through forest and beach to search for the elusive tokoeka (southern brown kiwi). Or choose the Wild Kiwi & Culture Encounter at Oneke, where you’ll hear stories of Māori and European heritage before your kiwi search, finishing with a warm drink in a traditional whare. Note: Moderate fitness required (approx. 2 hrs walking). Tracks may be muddy or uneven—wear sturdy footwear and dress warmly.
Options
Wild Kiwi Departures
Wild Kiwi: Sunset cruise spotting rare marine life, then take a guided walk through forest and along the beach to search for wild kiwi
Wild Kiwi & Culture Departures
Wild Kiwi + Culture: Discover Oneke’s rich Māori and European heritage as day fades to night, with stories, stunning coastal views, and wild kiwi
Reviews
63 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful experience!
Susan T,
Apr 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a great experience - the guides (Jan and Natasha) were super knowledgeable and experienced. There was lots if education done about the kiwis and other animals which made the experience even more enjoyable. We saw lots of animals from the boat, had a walk through the forest at night (which was a cool experience in and of itself). Then saw a kiwi on the beach and it just went about its business (eating) for about 30 minutes while we watched it - it didn’t even realize we were there. Then hot chocolate on the boat for the return to harbour
Wonderful Experience
Christine K,
Apr 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00The excursion fulfilled every promise on delivering wildlife sightings and was well worth the cost charged. Guides were personable, knowledgeable and very efficient. My sister and I enjoyed this same excursion a year ago and it was because of the excellence that we repeated the tour again this year.
As an Aussie, seeing a kiwi was a unique and memorable experience.
Q2937AArobertw,
Apr 16, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00The trip consisted of great seabird watching (I'm a serious birder) and 1.5hrs of kiwi spotting. Our guides, Sarah and Natasha, were excellent and found a kiwi, not all trips do, which wandered no more than 2m from us. Natasha videoed it and transferred the video to my phone for a wonderful record of a unique experience. I was one of only three trippers, a group of 20 might struggle to get the same close views. We were also fortunate to have calm, dry weather as rain would have dampened the experience in more ways than one. I thoroughly recommend the Wild Kiwi Encounter.
An absolute delight
kenr310,
Apr 11, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00What a fantastic adventure. We were lucky enough to see yellow eyed penguins in the water and two kiwis apart from many other bird and seal encounters. One kiwi stayed around for 20 minutes. An absolute delight.
very dedicated and knowledgeable guides
Compass17032434016,
Mar 29, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00The two guides and the skipper were very dedicated and knowledgeable. We were allowed to watch albatrosses, sea lions, penguins and two kiwis on the night walk from the boat. The clear starry sky on the beach completed the experience. We would definitely book this tour again.
The highlight of our trip
302JaneE,
Feb 21, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00We did the wild Kiwi walk and also the Island explorer. Karen and Natasha were the guides on both and we were in Karen’s group each time. The boat captains, Mac and Nick were great, and Karen was just awesome, as was Natasha These trips were the highlight of our amazing visit to New Zealand. The experience was outstanding, due to what we saw but also the passion for birds and animals that Karen and the others displayed. It really was excellent
Highlight of our NZ tour
54Maggie,
Feb 11, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00Highlight of our NZ holiday. Enjoyed seeing other wildlife on the way and our guides were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. We saw about 6 wild kiwis and really appreciated how well organised and prepared our group was for tramp in silence. Wonderful evening
Wonderfull experience
Jeroen T,
Jan 30, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00The excursion was slightly different than we had anticipated because we spent the first 1.5 hours sailing by boat along some islands and beaches to admire the maritime life. The guides were very knowledgeable and brought it in a nice way. We have seen seals, albatrosses and a penguin. Then we got half an hour of explanation about the kiwifruit and how we work as a group and how we can increase the chance of seeing a kiwifruit. The operator provides binoculars and (white and red) flashlights. The area we went looking for is in a private reserve that this operator has sole access to. You can therefore not visit this area yourself like the surroundings of Oban. Our group of 20 was split into two and followed each other the same route a few meters away. In the end we spotted three kiwifruit (separately no group) where one came very close and posed for about 30 minutes. We were very lucky to spot the number and duration of the kiwifruit. Even if we had not seen kiwifruit, this trip would have been worth it. Definitely recommended to all visitors to Stewart Island.
Unique tour with dedicated team
Liench n,
Jan 21, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00The tour starts with a longer trip on a comfortable catamaran. Various points for animal observation were approached. We saw penguins, albatrosses and sea lions. After dark - and a brief briefing - we then went in search of the kiwis. We had 3 very dedicated and knowledgeable guides (Sarah, India, Jac) for our group of 12 people. We actually saw two Kiwis. A sensational experience, as is the entire tour itself. Our skipper Nic led us safely through the water and night at all times. Absolutely recommend!
The Best Possible Kiwi Experience!
Nikola15131,
Jan 16, 2025
- Tripadvisor
5.00The best experience ever! We spotted sea lions, (which came to play next to our boat), albatrosses (who thought that we are a fishing boat) and in the end also kiwi! Everything was underlined with a great tour guides India and Natasha, who were sooo patient with spotting the kiwi! They stayed with us longer than was scheduled, just to let us enjoy the kiwi. They knew answer to each of our questions and you could really feel the personal approach from them to you. Before spotting the kiwi we also enjoyed the orange moon on the beach all together. If I knew it is those two girls having the Ulva tour the day after, I would even go for that one instead of doing it by myself.
