Explore Rakiura - Stewart Island
Tour Description
Kiwis in the wild? Wildlife, birdsong, remote beaches, forests, great seafood and very few people. Take a week and explore off the beaten path, Rakiura – Stewart Island. This is the largest island National Park in New Zealand, located just 30km south of the South Island.
Enjoy the views over Oreti Beach and Foveaux Strait during the short 20-minute scenic flight from Invercargill, before you land in Oban, population just a little over 400. A friendly local host will be there to greet you, and plan your week ahead over a cup of tea or coffee.
Kiwi spotting will be one of the highlights of your week. You can hope to see them in the wild when they come out at night to feed. There are more kiwis than people here, so luck will hopefully be on your side! Another day, take a tour to Ulva Island, unique predator-free environment and a bird lovers paradise. With an experienced ranger, discover rare and endangered birds and plants. Port William and Maori Beach offer wonderful coastal and forest hiking opportunities, with your local guide you will learn about the early settlers history and be immersed by nature.
Take the time to enjoy the simpler and slower lifestyle of Stewart Island and enjoy the nature, bush and beach. Be prepared for the often-unpredictable weather of the ‘Roaring Forties’. But don’t worry, your wonderful host will help you plan your activities according to the weather to make sure you have the best experience. By the time you board the small plane to fly back to Invercargill you will feel refreshed by having spent some time in this truly special place.
We have a variety of local accommodation, and a lovely boutique lodge - due to popularity make sure you book well in advance!
This Explore Rakiura Stewart Island tour can be customised, so let us know your interests and we will tailor make a Stewart Island break for you.
Viva's Best Bits...
Enjoy a unique opportunity to experience kiwis in their natural habitat. Walk the forests and beaches of predator free Ulva Island and you listen to bird song and spot endemic species. Watch a beautiful sunrise - this is Rakiura, the land of flowing skies
Add on a special experience - charter a fishing boat and try to catch some Blue Cod.
Or there is an epic coast to coast, fly-hike-boat adventure, appealing to any traveller up for a taste of New Zealand in its natural untouched state! Ask for more info!
"This offers a great taste of island life, including a fantastic day walk, with time to take life a little slower & simply enjoy, whatever you are doing always keep an eye out for the wildlife!" Tara, Team Viva