Bird Watching On Stewart Island
Kiwi spotting and bird watching on Stewart Island is a unique experience found nowhere else in the world.
The population of the Stewart Island Brown Kiwi/Southern Tokoeka is around 20,000 - humans are outnumbered 50 to 1, and this southern sanctuary offers a unique kiwi spotting experience. While most kiwi are nocturnal, the Stewart Island Brown Kiwi is active during the day and night, meaning the birds practically show up on your doorstep.
Bird watchers flock from all over the world to spot the beautiful birds of Stewart Island/Rakiura. Around 85% of the island forms Rakiura National Park, which provides an excellent habitat and food source for New Zealand native birds. Unlike other areas of New Zealand, parts of Stewart Island are predator free, allowing the local wildlife to thrive without threat.
The sea surrounding the Island is rich in food and attractive to a large number of seabirds such as Albatross, Mollymawk, Prion, Petrel, Cormorants, Blue Penguin, and the Southland famous Sooty Shearwater, also known as Muttonbird/Tītī.
Click here for more information and comprehensive list of birds that can be found on and about Stewart Island/Rakiura.
Guided Bird Watching Tours
Head to the best spots for bird watching with an expert local guide.
Stewart Island Experience
Join a Wild Kiwi Encounter with Stewart Island Experience, where you'll head to Little Glory Cove at dusk for an opportunity to spot the Stewart Island Brown Kiwi/Rakiura Tokoeka in it's natural habitat.
Beaks and Feathers
Be guided by a Stewart Island local, who has the knowledge and know how to take you through some of the most diverse and beautiful places in New Zealand.
Ulva's Guided Walks
Explore Ulva Island with Ulva's Guided Walks one of the original bird watching companies on Stewart Island.
Ruggedy Range
Walk easy tracks through primeval rainforest. Enjoy close views of rare and endangered birds, and listen to exquisite birdsong.
Stewart Island guides and brochures
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Comfortable lodging
Stunning sunsets over untouched nature, serene tranquility and utmost comfort – all offered at the southern edge of civilisation. Options…
So recounted Ian’s Great Aunty Olga in her famous book 'The Stewart Islanders'. It’s no wonder that sixth-generation Stewart Islander Ian and Philippa's Port…
Conveniently situated in the heart of Halfmoon Bay, we offer friendly, comfortable and clean accommodation at competitive prices 365 days a year. We also have…
Glendaruel House
My home is just that – a spacious, much loved house, combining old and new, antique furniture, original art work, DVD and Broadband internet.…
The South Sea Hotel is a Stewart Island icon, with a strong footing in Island life, both past and present. The hotel has a fully licensed bar, restaurant,…
Stewart Island Lodge is a peaceful and secluded B&B island retreat, nestled amongst native bush with commanding views of Halfmoon Bay and the surrounding…
Native birds including kaka, tui and bellbirds greet you with their beautiful song from the private and restful bush setting of Rakiura Lodge. Recently built,…
Whether you’re planning a three day hike or just heading down to the beach, our comfortable units provide a sanctuary at the end of an adventure-filled day. We…
Tokoeka Bed and Breakfast boasts one of the best views on Stewart Island, overlooking Oban village, Halfmoon Bay and the ocean beyond. Tokoeka was built in…
Our beautiful location enables guests to unwind in peace and quiet, while Stewart Island's restaurants, shops and main attractions are but a 5-7 minute walk…
If you want absolute peace and a sense of complete release from the stresses of your world, then Deep Bay Apartment is just the place.
You can stretch out on…
Wake to melodic bird song in warm and peaceful surroundings at this Purpose built Bed and Breakfast accommodation situated in the magnificent Stewart Island.…
Iris and Peter at Sails Ashore provide luxury boutique hosted accommodation overlooking Halfmoon Bay for guests wishing to experience the magic of Stewart…
Kowhai Lane Lodge is situated in private gardens only 4 or 5 minutes stroll from the village centre and waterfront, a home away from home for your Island…
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A most enjoyable and exciting journey into the 3D realm of carving the strongest stone in our world. Make your own jade treasure from your selected piece of…
The Rakiura Track is a 30km tramping track requiring a moderate level of fitness and suitable for tramping all year around. The entire circuit is 37 km in…
Highly recommended operating since 2000 - our iconic guided walk on Ulva Island - a must do!
Look out for penguins on the short boat ride to Ulva Island aboard…
Explore Ulva Island with Ulva's Guided Walks one of the original bird watching companies on Stewart Island. Ulva's Guided Walks was established by Ulva…
Private Car Hire on Stewart Island
Pick-up
Drop-off
Customised Tours
Our All-Wheel Drive Cab will be able to get you anywhere on the island, be it off the…
Tramping and hiking in New Zealand is a popular pastime. Stewart Island and Fiordland National Parks are two remote and unspoilt areas in New Zealand offering…
Stewart Island is perfect for a day excursion, or an extended stay. Cross Foveaux Strait on board our express passenger catamarans. During the one-hour…
Private Car Hire on Stewart Island
Pick-up
Drop-off
Customised Tours
Our All-Wheel Drive Cab will be able to get you anywhere on the island, be it off the…
Experience a night walk in search of kiwi in the wild - in small groups with a locally owned and operated nature tourism business. Learn interesting facts…
Explore Oban and the surrounding bays aboard our modern mini-buses. Gain an insight into the community, history and environment of Stewart Island. Our…
Discover Stewart Island from the water. On board our catamaran enjoy a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet and visit Ulva Island - a renowned…
Be part of the crew and join us for a unique fishing experience on the commercial fishing vessel TEQUILA, while taking in the spectacular surroundings of the…
Wildfire is a 56 foot charter boat, 17 feet of beam and is surveyed for 40 pax. It has a planing hull and 675hp Scania Diesel main engine .230 volt auxiliary…
Rakiura Helicopters Stewart Island, the professional & experienced helicopter team , providing helicopter services of all types from Stewart Island Scenic…
Introducing HikeSouth, New Zealand Hiking and Tramping specialists
Hike South is based in Queenstown on the edge of Fiordland and Mt. Aspiring National Park…
Ulva Island is an absolute "Must Do" for visitors to Stewart Island. The island is a glimpse into New Zealand's ancient past. Party size is small (generally 6…
ULVA ISLAND Just 8 minutes across Paterson Inlet lies Ulva Island, an island that has abundant birdlife, rich forest, interesting history, golden sand beaches…
Where else would you expect to see a Tuk Tuk but on Stewart Island, where a dog called Lola is the local celebrity! Aussie Pete, one of the film makers of "A…
Aihe Wildlife Cruises and Water Taxi, offers small group wildlife and scenic cruises within Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island and pelagic birding tours around…
Stewart Island is a fantastic place to explore independently. Our modern rental cars enable you to discover the stunning coastline and secluded communities at…
A visit to Stewart Island isn't complete without a browse through the Rakiura Museum. Established and run by volunteers, the museum houses an extensive…
