Stewart Island Rakiura is a place that rewards travelers with its untouched landscapes, vibrant birdlife, and a sense of adventure that’s hard to find elsewhere in New Zealand. Unlike the more tourist-heavy spots, Stewart Island offers authentic experiences—whether it’s cruising through pristine bays, walking through rugged coastlines, or searching for kiwi in their natural habitat. We especially love the Wild Kiwi Experience for its unforgettable wildlife encounters and the Ulva Island Explorer for its scenic boat ride and birdwatching opportunities. These tours highlight the island’s unique appeal: closeness to nature and a chance to see rare wildlife in the wild. If you’re after a comprehensive intro, the Village and Bays Tour is perfect for getting your bearings without breaking a sweat.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find a selection of four top-rated tours on Stewart Island Rakiura. From scenic minibus tours that reveal the island’s bays and history to immersive wildlife encounters, each experience offers a different flavor of Stewart Island. For a quick summary:
- Village and Bays Tour — an easy, narrated journey covering Oban and its bays.
- Ulva Island Explorer — a boat and walking combo to see native birds and seals.
- Wild Kiwi Experiences — a night tour to spot elusive kiwi in the wild.
- Guided Wilderness Walk — a scenic hike through coastal forests and beaches.
Now, let’s take a closer look at each one to see which fits your style and interests best.
1. Stewart Island: Village and Bays Tour
At number 1 on our list, the Stewart Island: Village and Bays Tour offers an excellent, relaxed introduction to this remote island. For only about $36.61 per person, you’ll spend roughly an hour riding in a modern minibus, with a guide sharing informative narration about Stewart Island’s history and environment. It’s a great way to get your bearings without hiking or strenuous activity, especially if time is limited.
The tour begins in Oban, the main settlement, and winds through Lee Bay, Halfmoon Bay, and Horseshoe Bay. Along the way, your guide points out wildlife, tells stories about the island’s past, and stops at Observation Rock for panoramic photos of Paterson Inlet. It’s particularly popular because of its personalized insight and the ease of seeing the sights from the comfort of a vehicle. Many reviews praise the friendly guides—Leah, for example, is noted for her warmth and local knowledge.
This tour is best for those who want an overview without the effort of walking. It’s a relaxing way to start a Stewart Island visit, especially if mobility is an issue. The main downside? It’s a quick overview, so if you’re craving a deep dive, you’ll want more active options. But for a first taste, it’s hard to beat the affordability and conversational tone of this tour.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers short on time or with mobility concerns who want to see the bays and learn island history without hiking.
2. Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island
For around $89.98 per person, the Ulva Island Explorer combines a scenic catamaran cruise with a guided walk through one of Stewart Island’s most famous bird sanctuaries. Starting with a boat ride into Paterson Inlet, you’ll cruise past coves and beaches, keeping an eye out for fur seals, dolphins, and seabirds.
Once on Ulva Island, a guide will lead you through native bush where rare and endemic birds such as kaka and kiwi (yes, they’re free-range on this island) make regular appearances. The small-group size ensures personalized attention, and many travelers appreciate the opportunity to learn about native flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides like Sarah and Karen, who are praised for their enthusiasm and expertise.
You can also opt for a boxed lunch on board, making this a full half-day adventure. The highlight is the chance to see wildlife in natural settings, with a relaxed pace that suits bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. The boat trip itself is described as “easy and comfortable,” adding to the overall appeal.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wildlife fans wanting a mix of scenic cruising and wildlife viewing, especially those interested in birds and marine life in a small-group setting.
3. Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Experiences
Number 3 on our list is the Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Experiences, a tour that promises one of New Zealand’s most iconic wildlife moments—seeing a kiwi in the wild. Priced at $160.73 per person, this about 5-hour evening tour is suited for travellers with a bit of fitness, as it involves walking through forested areas and beaches at night.
The tour kicks off with a boat cruise, where you’ll spot seabirds, albatross, and possibly fur seals. Afterward, a guided torchlit walk takes you into the bush and along the beach, where the elusive tokoeka (southern brown kiwi) is often seen. Some tours also include storytelling about Māori and European heritage at a traditional whare, adding cultural context to the wildlife experience.
Many reviews highlight how spectacular the kiwi sightings are—seeing these shy birds in their natural environment is genuinely special. Guides like Jan and Natasha are lauded for their knowledge, patience, and ability to create a memorable experience. The tour requires warm clothes and insect repellant, as it takes place in cool, damp conditions.
Bottom Line: For wildlife enthusiasts eager for a genuine chance to see kiwi in the wild, this tour offers an unforgettable, well-organized evening — just be prepared for walking in the dark.
4. Stewart Island Guided Wilderness Walk
Rounding out our list, the Guided Wilderness Walk is a 3-hour 15-minute small-group walk that takes you from Oban to Oneke, “The Neck.” Starting with a short boat ride, this tour is perfect for those wanting to explore Stewart Island’s coastal landscapes and native bush in a more immersive way.
Your knowledgeable guide shares stories of Māori and European history as you traverse lush forests and rocky beaches. The highlight is the chance to see diverse birdlife and perhaps even sea lions during the boat transfer. The walk is rated highly for its stunning scenery and the personal touch offered by guides who are passionate about conservation and culture.
Guests mention the well-paced, enjoyable experience, and many emphasize the guide’s expertise and genuine enthusiasm. The return cruise offers a final chance to appreciate the rugged coastlines of Stewart Island from the water.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers looking for a scenic, educational walk with a small group, this tour provides a meaningful look at Stewart Island’s natural beauty and history.
How to Choose the Right Tour
Picking the best tour depends on your interests, fitness level, and schedule. If you want a quick overview of the island’s bays, the Village and Bays Tour offers a relaxed ride with stories. For wildlife lovers, the Ulva Island Explorer and Wild Kiwi Experiences deliver close encounters with native birds and nocturnal kiwi, respectively. Those eager for a deeper connection with the landscape and culture should consider the Guided Wilderness Walk.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the affordability of the Village and Bays Tour, while dedicated wildlife fans might find the slightly higher cost of the Kiwi or Ulva Island tours justified by unforgettable experiences. Remember, booking early is wise—these tours fill up fast, especially during peak season.
Final Thoughts
Stewart Island Rakiura offers an impressive range of tours that appeal to different interests and fitness levels. For a comprehensive, low-key introduction, the Village and Bays Tour is hard to beat. For wildlife lovers, the Ulva Island Explorer and Wild Kiwi Experiences promise moments that will stay with you long after you leave. And if you’re eager for a mix of scenery, history, and wildlife, the Guided Wilderness Walk hits the mark.
Whatever your choice, Stewart Island’s pristine environment and genuine encounters make it worth planning ahead. Book early, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for a true taste of New Zealand’s wild side.