Discover Rakiura Stewart Island

Soaring above the rugged south coast of the South Island, the ultimate island adventure on Rakiura Stewart Island – New Zealand’s third largest island – is just a 20-minute flight from Invercargill, where you’ve connected from your direct flight from Auckland or Christchurch. If seaspray in your hair is more your style, sit back and take in the spectacular sights during a private ferry ride across Foveaux Strait from Bluff.

As soon as you arrive, you’ll get it - a calm and unhurried feeling as the island’s natural ambience invades your senses.

Jump aboard a water taxi at Oban in blissful Halfmoon Bay — and take in the amphitheatre-like surrounds of eclectic homes and cribs nestled in the bush. Relax and enjoy the ride around the stunning north-eastern Rakiura coastline, spotting sea lions, seals and exotic sea-birds on the way to your exclusive catered lunch at Port William Hut.

The ultimate fishing experience awaits you as the renowned Gravity Fishing crew leads you on a ‘Hook to Plate’ journey, harvesting blue cod from the pristine waters around Rakiura. Gravity focuses on ethical, sustainable and environmentally friendly fishing with a strong Māori cultural element and can customise a unique experience for your delegates.

Back on shore, it’s time to sit back with refreshments and marvel at the skills of a world-class chef as they take your catch and transform it into mind-blowing dishes in front of your eyes.

Head back to Oban for a fantastic night of entertainment, or enjoy a tranquil night at the well-appointed hut with a sunset you’ll never forget.

Team feel like a bit of a canter? Chuck on the hiking gear and hit the track for an eight-kilometre stretch back to Lee Bay. It’s a leisurely hike suitable for most people, featuring stunning coastal views, swing bridges and picturesque sights such as Little River. The track brings you to the impressive chain link sculpture commissioned to commemorate the opening of Rakiura National Park. For those looking for a longer walk, the Rakiura Track will take you through 32 kilometres of bird song, isolated beaches and scenery that has barely changed in a thousand years.

For the more adventurous, jump on a helicopter and head for the remote reaches of the Ruggedy Ranges, or fly in and spend an afternoon dining at and exploring the epic expanses and historical nooks and crannies of Masons Bay.

Closer to Oban, design your own Sea and Sky experience combining two unique island offerings.

Sample the finest seafood, fresh from the ocean, with sensational fresh or Stewart Island smoked salmon, Bluff oysters and mouth-watering blue cod, prepared the way you love it courtesy of a top southern chef.

Enjoy your kaimoana feast while taking in an endless canvas of stars scattered across the sky as part of a bespoke stargazing experience — in the expert hands of one of Rakiura’s dark sky tour operators. Rakiura Stewart Island’s remote location will ensure your viewing experience is of an exceptional standard. It was rewarded in 2019 with the recognition of an International Dark Sky Sanctuary.

Maybe an exclusive Kiwi-spotting experience is more to your team’s liking, as it’s the only place in New Zealand where your clients can see a kiwi in the wild.

Create a tailor-made tour for your team in search of the iconic flightless Rakiura Tokoeka Southern Brown kiwi. Learn about Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary, and more rich island history as you enjoy canapes or maybe (season-dependent) a sunset picnic with champagne. Speaking of bubbles, champagne breakfast, anyone?

More than 85% of Rakiura Stewart Island is a national park, and opportunities abound for eco-friendly activities. From tree planting to expert talks on conservation, sustainability and ecology to donations to environmental trusts — enriching nature-based experiences and actions are at your fingertips. Cultural and art-based experiences and garden tours can be arranged, too.

Rakiura Stewart Island really is the ultimate island adventure for your team - so let your imagination run wild.

Incentive Inspiration

Discover Stewart Island and pair adventure with leisure for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Kiwi Spotting 1200x800
Take advantage of Beaks and Feathers’ exclusive access on private land to spy the elusive brown kiwi in its natural habitat. Watch close by as kiwi come out to forage under the cover of darkness. Specialising in small group experiences, add in an evening picnic and wine for an unforgettable night.

Phil's Seas Kayaks 1200x800
Explore the pristine waters, forest-shrouded inlets, and golden sandy bays with Phil’s Sea Kayaks. Soak up this natural wonderland from a unique perspective, and capture intimate, life-long memories to treasure.

Rakiura Jade 1200x800
Craft your very own pounamu keepsake while enjoying stunning views of Halfmoon Bay and Foveaux Strait. Join artist Dave Goodin, who has worked with Sir Peter Jackson, who will teach you how to carve the precious, treasured stone.

Ruggedy Range 1200x800
Discover a wilderness experience like no other. Get up close to nature, wildlife and scenery with Ruggedy Range’s off-the-beaten-track wilderness adventures. Kiwi spotting, guided walks, boat cruises, wildlife photography tours, you name it, there’s a Ruggedy Range experience for you.

Dark Skies Stewart Island 1200x800
See stars, planets, and faraway galaxies as never before through a powerful telescope and binoculars while reclining in comfort in a 'moon' or 'zero gravity' chair. Twinkle Dark Sky Tours presents our brilliantly clear southern night skies showcasing our solar system and the larger cosmos. Keep warm and snug under a blanket while enjoying the greatest show off earth, while feasting on your customised, evening picnic.

Snuggery Stewart Island 1200x800
Snug by name and by nature, relax among the trappings of a rustic former museum, now home to the country’s southernmost café - the Snuggery. Indulge your retro yearnings in the 70s-like surroundings, modelled on an old school crib (bach). Laid-back, private dining experiences are a specialty.

Saddleback Ulva Island 1200x800
Discover unique, rare and endangered birds and plants with Ulva’s Guided Walks. Flexible, private tours allow you to fully experience and appreciate this special sanctuary, where kiwi roam, South Island saddleback tieke swoop by and yellowhead mohua dance around you. It truly is an experience not to be missed.

South Sea Hotel 1200x800
Almost as famous as Prince Harry - Rakiura Stewart Island’s iconic pub the South Seas Hotel is renowned for its hospitality, blue cod dinners and world-famous quiz nights. Savour the world-renowned, ocean-fresh, blue cod as you ponder the scene where Prince Harry and his Ginger Ninja teammates placed second behind his team of bodyguards in the quiz.