Stewart Island

Explore Oban Village and its surrounding bays on a modern minibus with a knowledgeable guide. A 60 minute tour with our friendly guides who will provide an insight into Stewart Island’s community, history and environment.  Unspoiled, incredibly beautiful and steeped in stories of Maori legend, Stewart Island is well worth this informative introduction.  There is plenty of time to get off the bus for photo stops and short walks along the way.  Highlights include the Rakiura National Park entrance at Lee Bay, Halfmoon and Horseshoe Bays and views of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock.

Take a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet and a 45-minute walking tour in the bird sanctuary of Ulva Island. Your 2.5-hour itinerary departs from Stewart Island and includes a visit to the historic whaler’s base at Prices Inlet and the hidden coves and unspoiled beaches of Paterson Inlet. Your guide provides informative commentary during the scenic cruise. While on board, keep a lookout for New Zealand fur seals and penguins. Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in.

The walk, led by your nature guide, is on a well-formed track across the peninsula, through spectacular coastal forest to a secluded sandy beach. As dusk sets in and daylight diminishes, venture by torchlight through the native forest with the stars and forest night sounds around you. The walk will take about 45 minutes one-way and the track emerges on to Ocean Beach. This wide sandy beach is where kiwi are often found feeding among the grasses and seaweed. Here in the darkness you may spot the Southern brown kiwi (Rakiura Tokoeka) – often searching for food. Afterwards retrace your steps through the forest to Little Glory Wharf for your catamaran ride back to Oban township on Stewart Island. Please be sure to dress weather appropriate and bring insect repellant. You must arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled departure to check in.

Depart over the Remarkables, track along the Oreti River across New Zealand’s vast southern farmland before reaching the stunning Southern Coast. Fly over Foveaux Strait passing Dog Island and Ruapuki Island before landing on Ryan’s Creek Airstrip on the hill overlooking the Oban township. This is an unguided day on Stewart Island where you can choose how to spend your day. From an adventure-packed itinerary to spending a leisurely day birdwatching or walking. All additional activities are to be booked directly by the customer and are not included in the package. Any activities should be booked between 10:45am – 3:30pm. Enjoy fresh fish and chips from the Kai Kart or local eatery Sit back and relax on your flight back to Queenstown after enjoying the real ‘island life’ adventures. Experience it all from your window seat!

Our most popular scenic tour with amazing views of the northern beaches, Ruggedy Range, Mt Anglem, Masons Bay, Paterson Inlet and Halfmoon Bay. Travel the Northwest Circuit Track with all the fun & none of the mud!