Wild Kiwi Encounter
Enjoy a tour of approximately 4 hours, where you will travel by cruise from HalfMoon Bay aboard a catamaran to sail through Paterson Inlet to Little Glory Cove. You will disembark on a pier in the southern part of the peninsula known as The Neck. You will walk through the forest in search of the wild Kiwis, which are on an isolated beach feeding among the grasses and seaweed. At the end you will return to the same place where you started.
- Travel by catamaran to Little Glory Cove.
- Walk through a coastal forest.
- Appreciate the Kiwis in their natural habitat.
AVAILABILITY
September to May
DURATION
4 hours
START LOCATION
Halfmoon Bay
END LOCATION
Halfmoon Bay
TOUR LANGUAGE
English
Related places and things to do
Wildlife Experiences
Stewart Island, New Zealand
Boat Tours
Stewart Island, New Zealand
Wildlife Experiences
New Zealand
Detailed Description
Enjoy a cruise and a sunset walk out of Halfmoon Bay being this the meeting point with your guide, aboard a catamaran for a cruise through Paterson Inlet to Little Glory Cove. During the cruise, you will pass through the island Ulva (a sanctuary without predators) and you will know the history of Stewart Island. Once in Little Glory Cove, you will disembark on a pier in the southern part of the peninsula known as The Neck.
You will start the walk guided by your guide to the well-formed track in the middle of the peninsula, through a spectacular coastal forest to a secluded sandy beach. At nightfall, you will venture into the light of the torches through the native forest with the stars and the nocturnal sounds of the forest around you. This walk will last approximately 45 minutes in one direction and the track will open in Ocean Beach. This wide sandy beach is where the southern brown kiwifruit (Rakiura Tokoeka) is often found, feeding on grasses and seaweed. Then, you will return through the forest to Little Glory Wharf to return to the catamaran and return to where you started.
Tour Tickets (may vary by date)
| Ticket | Price (NZD) |
|---|---|
| General (P/P) | 199.00 (NZD) |
Included
- Return cruise transport to Little Glory Cove.
- Experienced Nature Guide (with a pack containing phone and first aid kit).
- Torch.
- Complimentary tea & coffee on board our vessel (and snacks are available to purchase).
Recommended
- Sturdy walking shoes/boots (up to approximately 2 hours walking on uneven and muddy tracks).
- 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).
Cancellation Policy
In case of cancellation or modification of your reservation, refunds will only be granted when Real Journeys receives a notification at least 5 days before (New Zealand time) on the date of arrival.
If you do not see kiwi we will refund you 50% of your ticket price or give you a ticket to come back another evening (subject to availability).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is Stewart Island worthwhile for a day trip?
Yes, there are many activities you can fit into one day on Stewart Island. Ask our reservations team for suggested itineraries.
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What time do we need to check in?
For visitors traveling on the Stewart Island Ferry Service, you are required to check in 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time (to allow for luggage loading, etc). The check-in and boarding gates are closed 10 minutes prior to scheduled ferry departure. For all our cruises and tours, check in is required 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
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What happens if there is an emergency?
Our staff is trained to deal with incidents and in case of an emergency, you should listen to their instructions.
We have a portable defibrillator on board each of our overnight cruise vessels (Milford Mariner, Milford Wanderer, and Fiordland Navigator).
In addition to this we also have portable defibrillators at the following locations:
- Milford Sound Visitor Terminal.
- Real Journeys Visitor Centre, Manapouri.
- Cavern House (Te Anau Glowworm Caves).
- Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, Walter Peak.
- TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship.
- Stewart Island Ferry (Bluff - Oban - Bluff).
