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Rakiura Wild Kiwi Encounters
Discover the beauty and mystery of Rakiura Stewart Island’s native wildlife with one of our unforgettable Wild Kiwi experiences.
What to expect
Oneke By Night - Walk with Kiwi
Take a guided walk with kiwi as Oneke's story continues after dark, searching for wild Rakiura tokoeka among culturally significant coastal landscapes.
Rakiura Kiwi and Wildlife Encounter
A sea cruise and torchlit forest walk in search of the elusive Rakiura tokoeka (southern brown kiwi), with marine wildlife spotting along the way.
What's included
- Return cruise transport on a comfortable catamaran
- Experienced nature guides (with a pack containing phone and first aid kit)
- Torch and complimentary hot drinks, tea, coffee or hot chocolate with biscuits
- Sea cruise: Scenic boat transfer to Oneke, a remote area only accessible by water.
- Cultural welcome and Whare visit: Time in the Oneke whare (Māori meeting house) with storytelling, formal acknowledgement of the land, and cultural traditions.
- Kiwi presentation: Learn about brown kiwi behaviour, conservation, and ongoing protection efforts.
- Kiwi experience: Guided evening walk through native bush and along the coastline with the opportunity to see Stewart Island Brown kiwi in their natural habitat.
- Wildlife encounters: Discover Ruru (morepork), sea lions, and other coastal species.
- Conservation: Witness pest eradication and ongoing restoration efforts by Rakiura Māori.
- Exclusive access: Explore Oneke, a heritage-rich and rarely visited area, ensuring a unique and immersive experience.
- Nature cruise: 1.5-hour scenic cruise exploring Stewart Island’s neighbouring islands and marine wildlife.
- Onboard presentation: Learn about Rakiura tokoeka behaviour, habitat, and conservation from your knowledgeable guides before disembarking.
- Kiwi experience: Evening walk through coastal forest and along a secluded sandy beach, searching for kiwi in their natural environment.
- Expert guides: Our knowledgeable local guides understand kiwi behaviour and habitat, helping maximise your chances of seeing Rakiura tokoeka in the wild.
- Wildlife encounters: Opportunity to spot marine species such as tītī (mutton bird), toroa (albatross), hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin), kororā (little penguin), and kekeno (New Zealand fur seal).
- Small group: Limited group sizes for a quieter, more immersive kiwi encounter.
Visit date
Select the date you'd like to visit to check ticket availability.
Time
Oneke By Night - Walk with Kiwi
- November to March
- October to April
Duration
- Oneke By Night - Walk with Kiwi - 4 hours
- Rakiura Kiwi and Wildlife Encounter - 4.5 hours
- Depending on sunset, weather and kiwi behaviour
Location
- Oneke By Night - Walk with Kiwi: Oneke "The Neck"
- Rakiura Kiwi and Wildlife Encounter: Little Glory Cove
Departure Location
- Both wild kiwi encounters depart from Stewart Island Experience, Main Wharf, Oban, Stewart Island
- Departure and return times vary depending on sunset, weather and kiwi behaviour
- Please check in 30 minutes prior to departure.
What To Bring
- Sturdy walking shoes/boots, no jandals or bare feet
- Waterproof jacket (kiwis are very sensitive to noise so please wear a soft, quiet option where possible)
- Warm sweater/fleece jacket
- Insect repellent
- Camera (although no flash photography is allowed around the kiwi)
- Personal medication including for asthma and allergies
Product Sessions
Oneke By Night - Walk with Kiwi
Rakiura Kiwi and Wildlife Encounter
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