4 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
English
Included
Search for elusive Stewart Island kiwi by torchlight
Guided nocturnal walk through native forest and beach
Learn about kiwi behavior and conservation efforts
Experienced guides provide insights and expert commentary
€ 126.85
This activity is managed by our trusted partner FareHarbor.
Additional taxes and fees may apply — total shown at checkout.
Select your preferred date and time from the calendar above.
Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
Experience the magic of Stewart Islands native forest and beaches on a unique nocturnal adventure in search of the elusive Rakiura Tokoeka, or Stewart Island Kiwi. This approximately four and a half hour experience begins with a one and a half hour sea cruise, offering the chance to observe marine life in the calm waters surrounding the island. Passengers can relax onboard with complimentary hot drinks and biscuits while expert guides share insights into the regions ecology and the habits of its unique wildlife. The small group setting ensures a personalized experience, allowing participants to ask questions and engage with the knowledgeable guides throughout the journey.
After the cruise, embark on a two hour guided walk through native forest and along beaches, using torchlight to search for the rare and nocturnal tokoeka. Experienced nature guides lead the way, sharing fascinating facts about kiwi behavior, conservation efforts, and the delicate ecosystems of Stewart Island. The adventure is suitable for participants aged fifteen and above, and due to the late hours, accommodation on the island is required. Guests are advised to bring warm clothing, a rain jacket, and sturdy walking shoes. While sightings are not guaranteed, the thrill of searching and the opportunity to support kiwi conservation projects make this a truly memorable and rewarding wildlife experience.
Sea cruise looking for marine life
Guided walk for kiwi spotting
Expert nature guide and commentary
Complimentary hot drinks and biscuits
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Warm layers and rain jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Torch or headlamp
Camera
Suitable for ages 15 and above
Accommodation required on Stewart Island for evening
Kiwi sightings not guaranteed, conservation donation applies
Tour operates in various weather conditions
Follow guide instructions for safety
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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My husband and I had the good fortune to do a kiwi spotting tour and a trip to Ulva Island with Ruggedy Range; Furhana guided us for both. Her knowledge of bird and plant life is encyclopedic, and she shared it in an accessible and fascinating way on both tours. We were particularly impressed by how dedicated she was to the wellbeing of all wildlife, and how she was careful to help us understand what we needed to do to keep the habitats safe. We’d both highly recommend Ruggedy Range for an authentic but respectful experience.
A truly awesome Kiwi spotting experience. Furhana was a very knowledgable and passionate guide who gave us a short intro to the Kiwi and then drove us round until we spotted and then viewed a male and a female Tokoeka / Stewart Island Kiwi. The key is to have patience - it’s well worth it!
We went on 2 tours with Furhana who is very knowledgeable and we enjoyed our experience. First tour was a 2 hour bird tour on Stewart Island and the second was an afternoon on Ulva Island. Highly recommend Ruggedy Range Tours. Here are just some of the birds we saw. Thank you Furhana
We had booked the morning Ulva Island birding tour, however weather conditions prevented us from getting across. The guide was very accommodating to work with us and our tight schedule to ensure that we got an excellent birding tour, and we ended up enjoying our tour around the island more than we would have across to Ulva Island, as we were able to see more wildlife, birds, and the island itself than we would have otherwise. Very knowledgeable tour guide and we highly recommend this experience!
We booked three outings with Furhana of Ruggedy Range during a September stay on Stewart Island/Rakiura - a boat trip to look for seabirds, a walk round Ulva Island to look for endemic birds and an evening kiwi safari. Despite contending with some pretty bad weather, all of these were really successful and we saw everything we could have hoped for: penguins, close-up albatrosses, spoonbills, weka, kaka, yellowheads, saddlebacks and a kiwi that walked past us just a few yards away. As well as being completely committed to the wellbeing of the birds and other wildlife, Furhana is a skilled and expert guide who spares no effort to make each outing a success - even if it means teaching the clients how to walk quietly in the dark! If you want the best chance to see the exciting birds that the island can offer, we can 100% recommend Ruggedy Range.
