Join Beaks and Feathers on Stewart Island for a guided night tour to observe the rare Southern Brown Kiwi. Experience exclusive land access, native bird calls, and star-filled skies on this unique New Zealand adventure.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be able to walk unassisted over uneven ground for up to two hours and manage vehicle transfers independently.
Wildlife
History
Stewart Island (Rakiura) has been home to Maori communities for centuries and the kiwi holds cultural significance as a national symbol and taonga (treasure).
Conservation
Beaks and Feathers contributes a portion of tour proceeds to predator control programs critical to protecting the fragile kiwi populations on Stewart Island.
Beaks and Feathers
Join Beaks and Feathers on Stewart Island for a guided night tour to observe the rare Southern Brown Kiwi. Experience exclusive land access, native bird calls, and star-filled skies on this unique New Zealand adventure.
Beaks and Feathers is a nature-guiding company based in Oban on Stewart Island/Rakiura in the Southland Region of New Zealand. The operator specialises in small-group wildlife experiences focused on native birds and marine life.
Offerings include guided walks on Ulva Island, combined land-and-sea tours with a water taxi, night-time Kiwi Spotting on private land, and half-day guided hikes to Port William and Maori Beach along the Rakiura Track. Guides are local and interpretive, providing information on bird identification, habitat, conservation and safe visitor practices.
Beaks and Feathers operates within predator-free environments on Ulva Island and coordinates water taxi transfers where required. Safety briefings and guided support are provided for coastal hikes and rock-hopping sections. The company emphasises responsible wildlife viewing, minimal disturbance, and adherence to local conservation rules to protect rare and endangered species.
Booking options accommodate small groups to maximize viewing opportunities and minimize ecological impact. Meeting points and trip durations vary by experience; the Ulva Island Guided Walk is a 3.5-hour guided walk, while the Port William / Maori Beach Guided Hike is a half-day 10km adventure including steps and rock hopping. Kiwi Spotting is conducted at night with exclusive access to private land for a higher chance of sightings. By focusing on local knowledge, predator-free sites and guided support, Beaks and Feathers delivers credible, factual wildlife experiences for visitors seeking birdwatching, nature photography and immersive coastal hikes. Tours emphasize biosecurity, clear communication, and respect for cultural sites, offering memorable, educational encounters with Stewart Island wildlife and conservation.
Location
Oban, Southland
Based on Stewart Island/Rakiura
Water Taxi
Included on select tours
Scenic land-and-sea access
Guided Tours
Small groups
Local, interpretive guides
Ulva Island
Predator-free
Home to rare native birdlife
Reserve small-group Ulva Island walks, night Kiwi Spotting, or Rakiura Track hikes — book early to secure preferred dates.
Wear sturdy waterproof shoes
The terrain includes uneven grassy patches and can be damp after rain—protect your feet accordingly.
Dress warmly in layers
The open land has no shelter and temperatures can drop sharply after dark.
Switch off camera flash and sounds
Kiwi are sensitive to light and noise; keep your devices silent to avoid disturbing them.
Bring binoculars for better viewing
Binoculars help spot kiwi details from a respectful distance without disturbing their natural behaviors.
Waterproof hiking boots
Protects against damp grass and uneven terrain during after-dark walks.
Layered warm clothing
Allows adjustment to fluctuating night temperatures and open-air exposure.
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Red-filter torch
Minimizes disturbance to wildlife while providing necessary light for navigation.
Binoculars
Enhances kiwi spotting from a respectful distance.