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wildlife · Stewart Island

Wild Kiwi Spotting at Dusk, Rakiura's Signature Encounter

Stewart Island is the one place on Earth where wild kiwi still forage in daylight-adjacent hours on open beaches — a genuinely rare wildlife encounter, not a captive enclosure.

What to expect

You'll cruise out at dusk through sheltered bays, then land quietly on a remote beach to wait, in near-total darkness, for kiwi to appear at the tideline. Red-light torches only, total silence required. Sightings aren't guaranteed but are frequent with this operator's experience. It's a slow, hushed, unforgettable couple of hours.

Booking
We have not yet verified a bookable operator and price for this one.

Good to know

Runs in the evening, so only feasible on overnight or late-departure calls; dress very warmly and book weeks ahead as spots are limited.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Stewart Island — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Azamara · Azamara Quest
15 nights · calls at Stewart Island
from $6,139
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Silversea · Silver Moon
15 nights · calls at Stewart Island
from $11,750
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See all cruises to Stewart Island →

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