Wild Kiwi & Culture Encounter
Highlights & inclusions
1. Select date
August 2026
2. Select participants
What you can expect
Discover the magic of Stewart Island with this guided evening adventure to Oneke, also known as The Neck. Begin with a scenic cruise across Paterson Inlet aboard a comfortable catamaran, soaking in the beauty of the coastline. On arrival at this secluded area, your guide will share stories of the island’s rich Māori and European history, explaining the connection to the land and culture that make this place so unique.
As the sun sets, you'll join a two-hour guided walk along quiet beaches and through forest trails, on the search for the elusive Rakiura tokoeka, a rare Stewart Island brown kiwi. With each step, you’ll feel the anticipation of hopefully spotting this incredible bird in its natural habitat. After the walk, you'll get to relax in a newly built Māori building with a hot cup of cocoa, tea, or coffee before cruising back to Oban. This evening tour offers a truly special way to experience the spirit of Stewart Island.
Location
What you need to know
- Scenic evening cruise across Paterson Inlet to Oneke ‘The Neck’
- Two-hour guided walk with torchlight through forest and along beaches
- Storytelling by an experienced nature guide
- Chance of encounter with Stewart Island's brown kiwi
- A hot cup of cocoa, tea, or coffee
- Please check in 30 minutes prior to departure.
- This experience is approximately four hours in duration.
- This experience departs from Visitor Terminal - Stewart Island Experience, Southland Region, Stewart Island 9818.
- Sturdy walking shoes/boots
- Quiet waterproof jacket
- Insect repellent
- Warm clothing
- Minimum age is 15 years old
- Reasonable level of fitness required
- There is no guarantee that kiwis will appear
- Note that this is a cashless experience in case you wish to purchase food or drinks
- Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
