Stewart Island Track

Departure time changes with the tide (literally!). Fly by light plane from Invercargill airport to Mason Bay passing Codfish Island, an important Kakapō sanctuary.

Landing on Mason Bay beach we take some time to explore this isolated wonderland walking to the Mason Bay Hut, the one night where we "rough it", camping alongside the Mason Bay Hut.

Carry your pack, personal and hiking equipment for your overnight hike to Mason Bay Hut, anything you don't need will be forwarded on to meet you at your accommodation at the end of day 3.

This evening we will see if we can spot one of the local residents, a kiwi. Stewart Island Kiwi, or Tokoeka in Māori, are unique in that they are sometimes seen during the day. It is estimated that about a third of New Zealand's Kiwi live on Stewart Island so this is one of the best places to see one in the wild.

Today we explore Oban and Paterson Inlet by foot and water taxi. In the morning (this can alter depending on the weather) we take a walk to Ackers Point, exploring historic buildings on our way to the lighthouse. 

We then visit Ulva Island, an open sanctuary playing an important role in the conservation of threatened species. Birds we may see include the weka, kākā, kakariki, kākupa, mohua and tieke. This is our second night in Halfmoon Bay.