Great Walk Rakiura Stewart Island

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4 days/ 3 nights: Ex Bluff

Minimum 2 to guarantee departure

Price is based on return ferry ex Bluff. Surcharge for Flights*: From $120.00 per person

Stewart Island is a true nature’s paradise and offers a special experience - a glimpse into a simpler, slower lifestyle, in rhythm with the sea and the tides. 85% of the island’s 1570 square kilometres is a National Park – Rakiura National Park. Stewart Island also has a Dark Sky Sanctuary accreditation by the International Dark Sky Association. Whether you want to enjoy the land, sea and night-scapes, view the wildllife, walk, boat, fish, dive, kayak, hunt or just relax - a Stewart Island holiday is an experience that you will treasure for ever and a must-do experience.

Itinerary
Accommodation
Important Information

Day 1: Bluff to Stewart Island

Your journey starts in Bluff where you will board the Ferry to Stewart Island*. Experience Foveaux Strait onboard an express catamaran. During the one-hour crossing on the Stewart Island Ferry between Bluff and Oban keep a lookout for wildlife, especially seabirds. Comprehensive commentaries provide information on the interesting landmarks commonly seen, including Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, the Titi Islands and Mt Anglem - Stewart Island’s highest point. After crossing Foveaux Strait and arriving at Oban – the main settlement on Stewart Island you will be transferred to the Bay Motel.
This afternoon explore Oban and the surrounding bays in a mini-bus tour. Experienced guides enjoy sharing their local knowledge of the history and environment of Stewart Island with you. Gain an insight into New Zealand’s southernmost community. Stewart Islanders are proud of their island, enjoying its simpler, slower pace. Highlights include Lee Bay, the gateway to Rakiura National Park and stunning views of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock during this 1 hour 30 minute tour. Afterwards return to your accommodation and the afternoon is at leisure.

Day 2: Ulva Island Tour & Night time Kiwi Spotting Tour (B)

Ulva Island (Te Wharawhara), is renowned for its diverse and abundant birdlife with a forest dominated by Rimu, Southern Rata and Kamahi, surrounded by marine reserve. It was visited by Ngai Tahu Maori as part of their food gathering trips and in the 1890s it became one of New Zealand’s first reserves. This 267 hectare island is now predator free, allowing the bird and plantlife to thrive. Today you will be guided by a Stewart Island local, who has the knowledge and know how to take you through Ulva Island, with abundant and colourful birdlife and the impressive forest. You will be transferred to Ulva Island by water taxi before having an informative and interesting walk on this unique island. Returning to the motel around midday where you have the rest of the afternoon to relax and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.
This evening we are in for a real treat, depart from Stewart Island's Halfmoon Bay in a catamaran for a cruise across Paterson Inlet to Little Glory Cove. During the cruise, pass Ulva Island and learn about Stewart Island's rich history. Once at Little Glory Cove, disembark onto a wharf at the southern part of the peninsula known as The Neck. 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. Afterwards retrace your steps through the forest to Little Glory Wharf for your catamaran ride back to Oban township on Stewart Island.

Day 3: Great Walk Rakiura Track - Half day (unguided) freedom walk (B)

Take a walk on one of the most popular coastal and native bush walks on Stewart Island. Water taxi to Port William, site of early Maori settlement, before continuing on to beautiful Maori beach. This was also where early Maori settled and later became a saw milling community in the early 1900s. Then make your way to Lee Bay via Little River, a stunning tidal river mouth, overhanging with Rata trees. Along the coast lookout for a plethora of birdlife, such as, Mutton birds (Sooty Shearwaters), Shags, Buller’s Molly-mawks, Cape Pigeons, and little Blue Pengiuns. In the native bush you may see and hear Bellbirds, Tui, Fantails, Parakeets, Shining Cuckoos, Grey Warblers, Kaka and Tomtits and more. Walking time: duration 4-5 hours including Water Taxi.

Day 4: Stewart Island to Bluff (B)

Today it is time to depart this paradise island and return to real life. Board the catamaran and for your cruise across the Straight to Bluff.

(* Return flights to Stewart Island are available - surcharge applies)

TOUR INCLUSIONS

Stewart Island, Ulva Island, Kiwi Spotting, Walk on Rakiura Track, Stewart Island Return Ferry
Three nights accommodation at your chosen accommodation including Continental Breakfast Daily (B)

Sightseeing includes:

Stewart Island Return Ferry
Orientation tour
Ulva Island Guided Tour
Wild Kiwi Encounter
DOC Concessions where applicable included

NOTE:

The half day freedom walk on Rakiura Track is unguided, we recommend a good level of fitness, tramping boots and sensible hiking clothing for all weather conditions.

TOUR EXCLUSIONS

Domestic Air Fares, Additional /Optional Tour Costs, Hotel Mini Bar, Sightseeing/Meals not stated in Itinerary.

*Surcharge for Flights Bluff - Stewart Island return: From $120.00 per person

Accommodation based on the below or similar

Stewart Island

Tourist Class - Bay Motel Stewart Island

With panoramic views of the Tasman Sea, Bay Motel overlooks Halfmoon Bay on Stewart Island. All units have views of Half Moon Bay or the surrounding bush. Enjoy the view from your balcony, listening to the local birdlife.

Special Category - Stewart Island Lodge

Private and secluded, Stewart Island Lodge is a nice place to relax in comfort while providing a base for your Island exploration. It’s just five minutes’ walk from the village centre where there are restaurants and a small pub. Set on a hillside overlooking Halfmoon Bay.

Tourist Class - Bay Motel Stewart Island

Special Category - Stewart Island Lodge

Supplement applies for this property

PAYMENTS:

A non-refundable deposit of $250 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the tour price is required 47 days prior to your travel date. If you book inside 47 days, full payment will be required at the time of booking. If you cancel between 26 and 47 days prior to your travel date 40% of your tour cost will be charged. If you cancel between 8 and 20 days prior to your tour departure you will be charged 60% of your tour cost. Cancellations within 8 working days of departures will incur a 100% cancellation charge. All cancellations must be acknowledged in writing.

Innovative Travel recommends purchasing travel insurance, even when travelling within New Zealand.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Full Terms and conditions are listed on the Innovative Travel website. When a booking is made it is accepted that these are agreed to. They include the following: Itineraries are correct when initially published, however are subject to change due to circumstances outside our control.

Flights are the responsibility of the passenger and Innovative Travel takes no responsibility for costs involved for any changes to flights that might be required due to necessary amendments in itineraries.

Note: Wheelchair passengers

Some activities are not suitable for wheelchair passengers and any passenger requiring wheelchair assistance must be accompanied by a fellow traveller that is capable of assisting with all mobility requirements. Maximum of one wheelchair per group, the wheelchair must be fully collapsible. Further wheelchairs may be allowed subject to group size.

Enquire About This Itinerary

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.