The 8 Stewart Island Tours That Go Early

1.Stewart Island: Wild Kiwi Experiences

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 177 reviews · 4 hours · from $154Our pick

Join a small group of up to 10 for a four-hour evening with RealNZ. Cruise from Oban past penguins, seals, sea lions, and seabirds, then walk through forest and beach at Little Glory Cove or Oneke in search of wild tokoeka kiwi. Guides such as Natasha, Karen, Sarah, and Jen are known for patient wildlife spotting and strong local stories.

“We saw two kiwis that night one adult who stayed around quite long and a younger one. The guides made sure that everyone saw the kiwi and not just the first ones in the line”

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2.Stewart Island: Ulva Island Guided Wilderness Walk & Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 165 reviews · 2h 30m · from $86

You’ll cruise Paterson Inlet from Stewart Island, hearing stories of Māori history and European settlement before spending about 1.5 hours walking Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Guides such as Jan, Karen, Natasha, and Jac point out bird calls, native plants, saddlebacks, yellowheads, weka, and other wildlife. The pace is gentle, with time for coastal views and questions.

“We enjoyed our trip it was a good pace for my 84 year old mother We were a bit disappointed with not many birds but we did see a saddle back and Stewart Island Robins We saw a sea lion too which was fun We thought the discussion of trees etc was great Overall excellent Thanks By the way your options for next question fails our situation as was with partner and mother so options below do not match you need an other box”

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3.Stewart Island: Village and Bays Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 141 reviews · 1h 30m · from $35Best value

Take a 90-minute minibus tour through Oban and Stewart Island’s nearby bays with an English-speaking local guide. Expect Māori stories, island history, wildlife and conservation insights, plus stops at Lee Bay, Halfmoon Bay, Horseshoe Bay, and Observation Rock. Guides such as Rhys, Shona, Jen, Di, and Karen bring the community to life.

“Rhys was very informative and interesting. Felt like we learnt alot on his tour about Stewart Island.”

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4.Stewart Island: Village and Bays Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · from $36Top rated

Starting in Oban, this one-hour RealNZ minibus tour follows Stewart Island’s bays and villages with live commentary from a local guide. You’ll stop at Observation Rock for Paterson Inlet views and make short walks for photos. Guides such as Rhys, Leah, and Bevan are known for warm stories about island life, Māori and European history, and conservation.

“This was a nice way to see a little of the island and our tour guide was very informative.”

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5.Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 79 reviews · from $89

Sail from Stewart Island through Paterson and Prices inlets, then follow a local guide on an easy walk through predator-free Ulva Island. Expect native birds, weka on the beach, seals, penguins, island history, and a small group of up to 12 people. Guides may include Sarah, Karen, or Claire. An optional boxed lunch is available.

“Our guide Karen was highly knowledgible & very entertaining. She was constantly aware of the members in her group & ensured everyone got to see the bird or plant or other natural feature that she was pointing out. Her "bird calls" often got responses from her feathered friends. A great & memorable tour.”

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6.Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Experiences

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 72 reviews · from $160

RealNZ takes you from Stewart Island’s ferry terminal on an evening catamaran cruise, then into the bush and across a beach to search for southern brown kiwi. Guides such as Jan, Natasha, and Karen share natural history and local stories. Allow about five hours, two hours of walking, and bring warm clothes, sturdy shoes, and insect repellent.

“The 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.”

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7.Stewart Island: Guided Wilderness Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 3h 20m · from $118

Travel by catamaran from Oban to Oneke, Stewart Island’s remote Neck, then follow a small-group trail through forest, beach, and coast. Guides such as India and Harry share Māori and European history, local customs, legends, plants, birds, and sea lions. The half-day outing lasts 200 minutes and includes return boat transport.

“India and Harry were very knowledgeable with all aspects of our tour. I was quite impressed they spoke the language of the Māori and knew customs even though they were not of Māori heritage.”

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8.Stewart Island Guided Wilderness Walk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $123

Meet your guide at Oban’s Visitor Terminal for a short boat trip to Oneke, known as The Neck. Walk through native bush and along rugged beaches while learning about Māori and European history. Guides such as Karen and Sarah have shared local culture, wildlife, and safety advice on this small-group outing.

“Absolutely amazing tour observing stunning coastal scenery and lovely walk through native bush. A lot of birds and even up, close and personal encounters with sea lions! Knowledgeable and passionate young guides in tune with the peninsulRead more”

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