Wild Kiwi Encounter Tour

At dusk depart from Stewart Island’s Halfmoon Bay in a catamaran for a cruise across Paterson Inlet to Little Glory Cove. During the cruise pass Ulva Island (a predator-free sanctuary) and learn about Stewart Island’s rich history. Once at Little Glory Cove, disembark onto a wharf at the southern part of the peninsula known as The Neck.

The walk, led by your nature guide, is on a well-formed track across the peninsula, through spectacular coastal forest to a secluded sandy beach.  As dusk sets in and daylight diminishes, venture by torchlight through the native forest with the stars and forest night sounds around you. The walk will take about 45 minutes one-way and the track emerges on to Ocean Beach.  This wide sandy beach is where kiwi are often found feeding among the grasses and seaweed.

Here in the darkness you may get the opportunity to see the Southern brown kiwi (Rakiura Tokoeka) – often searching for food.  Afterwards retrace your steps through the forest to Little Glory Wharf for your catamaran ride back to Oban township on Stewart Island.