Page updated: 5th July 2008

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About Ackers Point, Sooty Shearwater and Blue Penguin

Trip Details

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About Ackers Point, Sooty Shearwater & Blue Penguin

Ackers Point on the southern side of Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island, is the site of our only lighthouse. The area was named after Lewis Acker an American who settled in Harold Bay. An old stone cottage seen in Harrold Bay, built by Lewis Acker in 1834 is believed to be the oldest building in New Zealand.

Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus Griseus) also known as Titi by Maori are commonly called Muttonbird. These birds fly in their thousands from the northern hemisphere to breed in southern hemisphere waters during our spring and summer. Breeding sites include offshore island surrounding Stewart Island and some mainland sites including Ackers Point. During Spring and Summer it is possible to see muttonbirds feeding at sea and flying back to their coastal burrows to breed and feed their young. In April and May muttonbirds fly back to the northern hemisphere.

Maori have traditionally harvested muttonbirds. Today they are allowed to harvest these birds only on selected offshore islands during April and May.

Blue Penguins (Eudyptula minor) are the worlds smallest penguin at about 40 cms. They are widespread throughout New Zealand. During the breeding season they also come ashore at dusk and depart at dawn and are often seen feeding at sea.

TRIP DETAILS: Eco Watch
Trip Summary – ECO WATCH
Duration Approx. 3 hours
Distance Approx. 3 kms return trip (1.8 miles).
Time Evening trip, approx. 1 – 1½ hours before sunset, total time approx. 3 hours, returning after dark. Please note: trip operates from October to February/March. At the start and tail end of this period only sooty shearwaters may be sited.
Start/End Halfmoon Bay
Fitness Reasonable
Terrain Well-formed gravel tracks with steps.
Adult NZ $95.00 p.p.
Child NZ $70.00 p.p.
Includes Transport to/from Halfmoon Bay
Minimum 4 persons
If you are only one or two persons, please note that other clients/agents are also booking our trips and it is likely that minimum numbers will be achieved for the trip. You can also check with us at the time of booking.
Maximum 12 persons

An evening excursion - an encounter with the Sooty Shearwater a long distance flyer, and the world's smallest penguin. Time to enjoy the coastal scenery and southern stars…

Book Now (click here to make a booking)

What we do - See also main Map.

Meet in Halfmoon Bay for our courtesy transfer to the start of Ackers Point Track. Ackers Point is at the entrance of Halfmoon Bay and the site of Stewart Island's only Lighthouse. The area is a nesting site for sooty shearwater flying in from the northern hemisphere and little blue penguins.

We watch sooty shearwater and view penguin as they return at the end of a busy day's feeding, providing interpretation on these special birds. On clear nights we enjoy the spectacular display of southern stars. Returning by courtesy transfer to your accommodation.

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Ruggedy Range™ Wilderness Experience
170 Horseshoe Bay Road, Stewart Island, NZ
Ph: 64 3 219 1066
Fax: 64 3 219 1078
Mobile: 64 274 784 433
www.ruggedyrange.com
Enquiries, Bookings, Feedback - phone or contact: mail@ruggedyrange.com
Our independent Birds & Forest Booking Office in Stewart Island, is 20 - 30 minutes coastal walk from the main township, See Map. We operate a fully licensed shuttle if you require.
Guided Walks & Treks - Kiwi Spotting - Bird Watching - Sea Kayaking - Water Taxi
 Ulva Island Nature Sanctuary - Stewart Island - Rakiura National Park, NZ
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