Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter
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Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter

South Island, New Zealand

Venture by torchlight through the native forest and beach in search of Rakiura Tokoeka (Stewart Island Kiwi)

Duration4,5 hours
Start & End Time8:00 pm
Minimum Age15 years old
Start & End LocationStewart Island

Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter Highlights

  • Get up to 10% cash back per person when you book with us
  • Experience a rare chance to observe New Zealand’s iconic wild kiwi in its natural habitat
  • Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking an unforgettable New Zealand experience
  • 1 ½ hr sea cruise looking for marine life
  • Approximately 2-hour-long guided walk searching for wild tokoeka
  • Complimentary hot drinks and biscuits onboard the vessel
  • Experienced nature guide

What's Excluded

What to Expect

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Personal medication including for asthma and allergies
  • Warm clothing, waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear
  • Camera
  • Insect Repellent

  • Tokoeka are a taonga species (a natural treasure and highly valued) to Rakiura Māori  
  • The Rakiura Tokoeka is only found on Stewart Island  
  • Tokoeka means “weka 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   

The experience lasts about 4.5 hours, including the scenic boat cruise and guided night walk.

Yes, children over the age of 15 are welcome, making it a great family experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

While sightings are common, kiwi are wild animals, so there is no guarantee. However, guides use their expertise to maximise your chances.

Flash photography is not permitted to avoid disturbing the kiwi. You may take photos with red-filtered lighting only.

Yes. As wild kiwi are most active after dark, this experience depart in the evening and return late at night. You will need to book accommodation on Stewart Island for the night of your tour.

From time to time the tour operator may cancel the tour if Stewart Island is experiencing heavy rain or winds that would make a tour unsafe or uncomfortable. Please ensure that that the tour operator have contact details for you in case we need to advise of cancellation – a mobile contact number, or the name of your accommodation on the Island. The tour operator recommends you bring wet weather gear and appropriate footwear.

Yes, it is a fully guided trip. Our dedicated nature guides will ensure that you maximise your wildlife viewing opportunities during the tour.

This tour takes a maximum of 16 people day. Before you begin the walking section of the tour, you will split into two groups for the kiwi spotting. Each group is accompanied by a nature guide.

Yes, you may have the opportunity to spot little blue penguins, albatross, or fur seals as you cruise from Oban to Little Glory Cove. While we cannot guarantee you will see wildlife, our guides will keep a lookout along the way.

Yes, the operator provide complimentary refreshments following the walk. This includes tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits.

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Tour Operator

RealNZ
Stewart island
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