Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Experiences
Overview
Available languages
5 hours 20 minutes
Mobile ticket
Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounters
Experience the magic of Rakiura/Stewart Island on an unforgettable evening adventure. Begin with a scenic cruise around nearby islands (weather permitting), spotting rare seabirds and marine life like albatross, penguins, and fur seals. As dusk falls, arrive at your kiwi-spotting destination for a guided walk under the stars.
Choose from two unique experiences:
Wild Kiwi Encounter: Journey through coastal forest and along a secluded beach by torchlight in search of the elusive tokoeka (southern brown kiwi).
Wild Kiwi & Culture Encounter: Explore Oneke, a culturally rich area known as “The Neck,” where you’ll hear stories of Māori and European heritage before your kiwi search. End the night with a warm drink in a traditional whare (Māori building) before cruising back to Oban.
Important Info: Approx. 2 hours of walking required. Tracks may be muddy or uneven—sturdy footwear and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.
Additional Info
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not suitable for children under 16 years
A reasonable level of fitness is required
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
RealNZ
Check in at the Ferry Terminal
Stewart Island
Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounters Join us for an unforgettable evening exploring Rakiura/Stewart Island’s wildlife and culture. Begin with a scenic cruise spotting rare seabirds and marine life before arriving at your kiwi-spotting location. On the Wild Kiwi Encounter, enjoy a guided torchlit walk through forest and beach to search for the elusive tokoeka (southern brown kiwi). Or choose the Wild Kiwi & Culture Encounter at Oneke, where you’ll hear stories of Māori and European heritage before your kiwi search, finishing with a warm drink in a traditional whare. Note: Moderate fitness required (approx. 2 hrs walking). Tracks may be muddy or uneven—wear sturdy footwear and dress warmly.
What‘s Included
Complimentary tea and coffee on board return scenic cruise
Options
Wild Kiwi & Culture Departures
Wild Kiwi + Culture: Discover Oneke’s rich Māori and European heritage as day fades to night, with stories, stunning coastal views, and wild kiwi
Wild Kiwi Departures
Wild Kiwi: Sunset cruise spotting rare marine life, then take a guided walk through forest and along the beach to search for wild kiwi
Reviews
72 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Beaks and Feathers Kiwi walking tour
SallyB3112,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beaks and Feathers provide a wonderful way to see Kiwi in their natural habitat. We took a midnight walk along the runway of the local airport in the hope of seeing Kiwi and this tour did not disappoint. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and showed the utmost respect for the Kiwi. We were fortunate enough to see adult males and females as well as juveniles and a baby kiwi. I would recommend this tour to anyone with an interest in seeing Kiwi.
If you love Kiwi you'll love this!
dingbat1000,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The best ever kiwi experience I could have hoped for and more. The staff were a delight and really looked after us on the boat and the walk to find the Kiwi. Highly recommend to anyone in search of wild kiwi
Kiwi experience and cultural visit. 10/10!
Daydream48875006761,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time with our guides Jen and Sarah. The evening was perfect. Learning the history of Oneke and participating in customary events was educational and fun. Such a clear night as we set off to hunt down kiwis. Being in such an isolated location with Torches around midnight was such fun as well. WE were fortunate to see Sea Lions, Morepork and lots of kiwis!! Jen and Sarah were like old mates so full credit to them!
Family adventure
Gregory H,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great variety of marine life before going to the island for the kiwis. We saw kiwis a few feet away!!
Not great
Bwbachod17,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We did this tour while on Stewart Island and saw one kiwi. Our group was split into 2 groups and the group ahead of us had a much better sighting but by the time we were allowed to move forward the kiwi had vanished. We did see another kiwi but unfortunately we had 2 ladies in our group who hogged the best position and the guide made no attempt to ask them to move so people at the back could see. Consequently 2 people in our group did not get a sighting. Once a kiwi had been spotted we felt they put very little effort into finding any others. The staff on the boat were very friendly and the biscuits and hot drinks on the return journey were a nice touch. If we were to ever do this again we would definitely choose a different company.
Throughly recommend this trip with RealNZ
Peter F,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Expert and friendly guides Natasha and Charles. Very knowledgeable, we saw penguins, seals and many seabirds. Then landing and going through the bush to spot Kiwis. We were fortunate to see two which came very close to us. An amazing experience which we would throughly recommend.
Penguins birds seals and kiwis!
DayTrip28570175073,,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We saw three species of penguin many birds and kiwi!!! Expertly run by Analiese and Natasha and their knowledge and passion are very infective. They really tried to make sure everyone on the trip got a view of the various animals we came in contact with. Absolutely a great night out with a hot chocolate and bickies on the way home :)
Group size too large so only the people in front can see the kiwi.
GrandTour35540218476,,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00There were 10 people in our group and only several people in front of the single file line could see the kiwi. Use a different company that takes no more than 4 people. This company could have split the group in half, each with a guide. We saw several other cool birds and the staff was knowledgeable and friendly, but in the end, we were there to see kiwi. It would have been different if there were no kiwi to be seen, but to find one and not include everyone in the group was extremely disappointing.
Wonderful experience!
Susan T,,Apr 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience - the guides (Jan and Natasha) were super knowledgeable and experienced. There was lots if education done about the kiwis and other animals which made the experience even more enjoyable. We saw lots of animals from the boat, had a walk through the forest at night (which was a cool experience in and of itself). Then saw a kiwi on the beach and it just went about its business (eating) for about 30 minutes while we watched it - it didn’t even realize we were there. Then hot chocolate on the boat for the return to harbour
Wonderful Experience
Christine K,,Apr 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The excursion fulfilled every promise on delivering wildlife sightings and was well worth the cost charged. Guides were personable, knowledgeable and very efficient. My sister and I enjoyed this same excursion a year ago and it was because of the excellence that we repeated the tour again this year.
From NZ$259.00
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