Stewart Island (also known as Rakiura) is New Zealand’s third largest island.

Map Of Stewart Island

Off the South Island, Stewart Island  is only 675 sq. mi., about half the size of Rhode Island, is 85% national park land.  The main town, Oban, (also called Halfmoon Bay- pop. 380) has a harbor, marina, a few shops, hotels and restaurants. Throughout the island are numerous hiking trails leading up into the forests and down to the coastline. This is a must-see place for birders, especially if you want to see the endangered kiwi bird in the wild.

Oban Harbour

I was there a few years ago with a group of travel agents and we had 2 nights at the Bay Motel and some great touring around the island, seeing all the conservation efforts going on to protect the environment and save the flora and fauna.

The most fun tour was the nighttime tour to look for wild kiwi birds.

A group of 12 went down to the main dock in town after dark and met a fishing trawler piloted by a grizzled older gentleman and his 20-something son who were to be our guides for the evening.

We boarded the fishing trawler and were taken around the island to a small deserted cove. We were served coffee and snacks.

In the 30 min or so boat ride, the pilot talked about kiwi birds in the wild. They are quite rare, due to destruction of habitat and hunting, but here on Stewart Island, and some of the smaller nearby islands, they do have breeding and nesting areas. They are mostly nocturnal, coming out of their burrows to forage for small marine animals, their favorite food.

We got off the boat onto a small dock. We followed the guides along the wooded path about 30 minutes to another beach. In the woods we were allowed to use our flashlights. Kiwi birds are often spotted along the trail, but I was in the back of the line and didn’t see one.

When we reached the beach area we were told to turn off all lights and wait quietly. The pilot slowly walked us to a place along the beach where the dune scrub wasn’t too far from the water. He again told us to wait without lights or noise.  This was difficult for some of the group, but most cooperated. We huddled in darkness and tried to stay warm.

After about ten minutes, a small bird walked out of the scrubby brush and onto the beach. A gasp went up from the group, but we were immediately shushed.  Carefully, the guide pointed a shaded light onto the sand near the bird, and we could see the oval body and long skinny neck and beak of a kiwi. Some members immediately started jockeying for position to use their cameras.  “NO FLASH” came the harsh whisper. The bird walked along the beach, repeatedly poking its beak into the sand looking for food. Its body seems so unwieldy it uses its beak almost as a third leg for balance.It didn’t seem to mind us. A second bird started to come out of the brush but didn’t come too far onto the beach.

After about 20 minutes, the birds walked back into the bush. They didn’t seem spooked by the group of humans watching them.

I took probably the worst pictures ever, but I had to get some proof that I had seen a live kiwi bird in the wild.

Good To Know:

Getting to Stewart Island:

By Plane: Flights depart from Invercargill. It’s about a 20 minute journey with fantastic views. Flights operated by: http://www.stewartislandflights.com/

By Ferry: Crossing the Foveaux Strait from the town of Bluff, it’s about an hour ride. Could be choppy so beware. Lots of birds and marine mammals are often seen.

Ferry operated by Stewart Island Experience.

Accommodations:

Check out this page: http://www.stewartisland.co.nz/pages/see-do-stay/

There is a range of accommodations from budget to deluxe.

Touring:

Hiking in and around the Rakiura National Park is probably the most popular activity.

There are several companies that do touring and hiking packages, notably the  Stewart Island Experience Company.

If you want to do the Wild Kiwi Bird tour, check out: https://www.stewartislandexperience.co.nz/stewart-island-experience/experiences/wild-kiwi-encounter/