Kiwi Spotting Nights with Beaks and Feathers in Oban
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.
Overview
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.
Kiwi Spotting
Most Popular! • For all ages! • 1.5 - 2 hours • Experience one of New Zealand's treasures (Taonga)
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About This Adventure
Experience the thrill of spotting New Zealand's Southern Brown Kiwi in its natural habitat with Beaks & Feathers. Enjoy exclusive access to private land as you embark on a guided night adventure, listening for native calls and marveling at the starry sky. This unforgettable journey is perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers alike.
Come join us and spy one of New Zealand’s absolute treasures, the Southern Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka), in its natural habitat. The Tokoeka is the largest of the five kiwi species. At Beaks & Feathers we are truly privileged to be able to show our guests these iconic birds.
Duration
Approx. 1.5 - 2 hours
About
Beaks & Feathers have exclusive access to private land where the kiwi comes out to forage under the cover of darkness.
What happens on the day
Meet us approximately half an hour after sunset at the Beaks & Feathers office on Main Road for a pre-tour briefing.
Then we make the short road journey to the private land Beaks & Feathers have exclusive access to.
One of our passionate experienced kiwi guides will take you to the favoured areas of these rare iconic birds, where you can quietly spy these native birds while they reveal their quirky personalities.
You can listen for Kiwi & Morepork off in the distance and on a clear night you can marvel at the clear starry night above. On a rare occasion an Aurora Australis has even been seen.
What you need to know:
Terrain on this tour is relatively flat but there are grass areas of uneven ground. Sturdy waterproof shoes are recommended. The land we have access to has no shelter so please dress accordingly. It can be very cold. We provide red filter torches and you are welcome to bring binoculars and a camera. We do ask that the flash and shutter sounds are off. We highly recommend making the most of the experience by watching the kiwi through your own senses rather than a camera lens.
Price Includes:
Short drive to kiwi spotting site Experienced guide for duration of the tour Drop off back to your accomodation Concession fees Donation towards predator control in Kiwi spotting area
Who this tour is great for:
Bird watches Nature lovers Families, couples, singles Night sky enthusiasts
Level of fitness required:
A moderate level of fitness is needed. Guests must be able to walk unassisted in the dark for up to 2 hours and be able to manage getting in and out of a van unassisted.
Please note:
Kiwi are wild animals. We are very lucky that we can see multiple kiwi per tour (99% viewing success), but please know that these birds are wild and have a mind of their own. As much as we would like to, we cannot control their behaviour. Our guests see more kiwi more often, but if on the unlikely occurrence we do not see kiwi, we cannot offer a refund or tour credit due to concession fees and guide wages which must be paid what ever the outcome.
Adventure Tips
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.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Southern Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka)
- Morepork owl (native night bird)
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.
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Adventure Hotspots in Invercargill
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
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.