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wildlife · Bluff

Stewart Island: Kiwi Spotting Wilderness Encounter

Cross Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island — one of the world's last places to spot wild kiwi in daylight. A guided small-group twilight walk into Rakiura National Park is an utterly unforgettable bucket-list wildlife moment.

What to expect

A 20-minute ferry from Bluff Wharf whisks you to Oban, the island's only settlement, before your guide leads you into ancient podocarp forest as dusk falls. You will hear — and very likely see — wild kiwi foraging at close range, an experience possible almost nowhere else on earth. The return crossing under a southern sky blazing with stars caps an extraordinary evening. Expert commentary on Rakiura's ecology, Māori history and conservation makes every step meaningful.

Book it
Stewart Island: Ferry Service Between Bluff & Stewart Island
$77 per person
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Good to know

Ferry departs Bluff Wharf; crossing ~20 min each way. Allow 4–5 hrs total. Pre-book the guided walk well in advance — places are strictly limited. Confirm all-aboard time before booking evening departures; afternoon walks are safer for tight port schedules.

Sail there

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

Silversea · Silver Moon
16 nights · calls at Bluff
from $16,350
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Holland America · Volendam
12 nights · calls at Bluff
from $1,529
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MSC Cruises · MSC Magnifica
86 nights · calls at Bluff
from $12,459
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