RealNZ offers an awe-inspiring, must-do journey to see Kiwi in their natural habitat during this evening walk and cruise.
Rakiura Stewart Island is the southernmost and smallest island of the three main islands of New Zealand. Just 30km from the South Island, it is a perfect retreat for those seeking peace, quiet, and adventure.
Stewart Island is a unique environment; despite being Subantarctic, its clear turquoise sea and white sand beaches make Rakiura look more like a tropical paradise. The Aurora Australis Southern Lights can be regularly sighted from the island, making it a spectacular location for astrotourism and leading to the name Rakiura, “The Land of Glowing Skies”.
Roughly 85% of the island forms the wild and enchanting Rakiura National Park. One of the best ways to experience the park is by tramping the Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, which explores the island’s range of unmodified ecosystems - from rainforests and wetlands to vast sand dunes. The island is home to over 280km of walking tracks making it a great destination for trampers and hikers alike. Other activities include birding, fishing, sea kayaking, diving and hunting.
An absolute must-do, Ulva Island Te Wharawhara is a predator-free sanctuary in Stewart Island’s Paterson Inlet. The Island, especially Ulva Island, is a haven for birdlife, such as friendly Kākā and Weka, colourful Kākāriki, South Island Saddlebacks, little Blue Penguins, rare Yellow-Eyed Penguins Hoiho, and dozens of other native species. It is the only place in New Zealand where you can readily see Brown Kiwi in their natural habitat.
Access to the island is by a 20-minute flight from Invercargill or a one-hour ferry ride from Bluff.
Highlights
Highlights
Meet our local wildlife up close and personal on this fully commentated 1 hour cruise around the stunning Southern Bays of Paterson Inlet.
We offer "off the beaten track" wilderness adventures on Ulva Island and Stewart Island, in New Zealand's deep south, for small groups. We welcome you to come and enjoy this special part of New Zealand and share the beauty of the place we call home.
Explore picturesque Stewart Island in style on our eco-friendly electric bikes.
Handy to all amenities, our motel incorporates 12 units that are all equipped with their own kitchenette, ensuite bathroom, and bay or bush views.
A comfy 53 seat cinema that screens a range of movies and is proudly the home of 'A Local's Tail'; a delightfully quirky local short film.
The perfect place for both adventurous types and those looking to relax, Oban is the base for all visitors to Stewart Island.
Stewart Island Experience offers the ferry service across Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island for passengers onboard comfortable express catamarans.
Kaka Retreat is a small, intimate accommodation complex surrounded by bush and native gardens with a relaxed atmosphere
View the wonder of Stewart Island with a comfortable 15 minutes flight from Invercargill, taking you to the heart of New Zealand's ecological playground.
One of New Zealand's Great Walks, this track is suitable for anyone with moderate fitness and takes walkers through native forest and across beaches.
