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Page updated: 10th July 2007 Contact Us: mail@ruggedyrange.com Trip Details - Kiwi, Dunes & Beach Back to Walks & Hikes Options Back to Birding Options |
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| "Fabulous
opportunity to get out into the back country of SI. Excellent guiding
- we knew that if it was out there, Furhana would find it! Enjoyed
the flexibility and small group and all the birds/tussock/trees/lichen/moss/orchids
etc.." Chris Halek & Janet Lince - UK |
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Mason Bay is situated on the west coast of Stewart Island. It has approx. 14 kms of beach, one of the most extensive natural sand dune systems in New Zealand, native coastal plants, some seabirds and a healthy population of kiwi. A great place to go kiwi spotting, enjoy the stunning seascape, watch the surface crash on the beach and feel at one with nature! Our trips provide an opportunity to discover kiwi habitat, listen to a kiwi calling in the night and with some luck actually seeing a kiwi. More than just a kiwi spotting trip, we provide a chance for you to view an array of ecosystems and wilderness habitats, from east to west and across Stewart Island's interior, and to to see other native birds and plants. We offer two similar options for the Mason Bay trip, Kiwi Journey, (one night trip) and Kiwi, Dunes and Beach (two night trip). We also recommend that you come on one of our Ulva Island -Birds & Forest guided walks before coming on a Mason Bay Kiwi Spotting Trip to appreciate the diversity of ecosystems on Stewart Island. See Options & Prices. Related to the extinct moa, kiwi are New Zealand's most ancient bird, having evolved 30 million years ago. To Maori, kiwi are known as "te manu huna a Tane" the hidden bird of Tane, probably because of the bird's nocturnal and shy nature. Due to New Zealand's long period of isolation and lack of mammals, kiwi occupy a habitat and lifestyle which mammals have occupied elsewhere. The Stewart Island Tokoeka, is one of several varieties of kiwi found only in New Zealand. Although kiwi are nocturnal, the Stewart Island Tokoeka is known to be active during the day and night. Find out more about this fascinating bird on one of our trips. |
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"We
enjoyed not only seeing a kiwi but everything else we did here."
Ken Matsumoto - Japan |
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| "Wicked
good trip. Saw more kiwis than I expected and "got" the
wily fernbird as well. I would do it again in a heart beat." Dean Pakulski - USA |
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Journey in the steps of kiwi, New Zealand's national icon and most ancient bird. Travel across the heart of Stewart Island, along a primeval river, through wetland, scrub and across dunes to a wild west coast beach. Learn about kiwi, enjoy the contrasting scenery, other native birds and plants. Book Now (click here to make a booking). Prior bookings are essential to allow food, equipment and travel arrangements to be made. What we do (click here for Map) Meet with your guide from Ruggedy Range™ Wilderness Experience before your trip, for a briefing to discuss plans for your Kiwi Journey. Day 1 - Meet with your guide and take a water taxi westward to the head of Paterson Inlet, then northwest along Freshwater River into the interior of Stewart Island. Richly stained by tannin, this winding primeval river is flanked by manuka (tea tree), ferns and mosses. Arrive at Freshwater Landing about 40 minutes later. Take time to enjoy birdlife including, the friendly Stewart Island robin and fernbirds, flora and orchids in season on your 4 - 6 hours trek (14 kms) along Freshwater Flats to Mason Bay, through manuka scrub and board walked wetland. There is also evidence of kiwi to mull over and sometimes a surprise daytime sighting! Camp near to or stay at Mason Bay Hut, nestled amongst forest-covered dunes a short 15 minutes walk from spectacular Mason Bay Beach. Watch the surf crashing on the beach. In the evening, the search for kiwi begins, listen to their shrill calls. Kiwi are wild birds and sightings are not guaranteed. Seeing a kiwi is a privilege and experience never to forget! Day
2 - Time
permitting, explore the surrounding rolling dunes, great for photography,
with superb views of the wetlands of Freshwater Flats. Depart for
Freshwater Landing, enjoy more sightings of native birdlife. Relax
in your water taxi as you travel back down Freshwater River and
across Paterson Inlet to Golden Bay Wharf. You will be assisted
with transfers back to Halfmoon Bay. Trip Times Access to Freshwater River is only at high tides. Trips
usually depart early afternoon Day 1 and return afternoon Day 2.
Where there is demand for the trip on days where tides differs from
the usual departure times, we vary the itinerary times to fit in
with high tides. NEW TRIPS: Please note we are now operating additional trips that include a one way flight and walk out or a return flight to Mason Bay. These trips are suitable for those who do not want to do long hikes or where our standard trips cannot operate due to timing of client's visit and unsuitable high tides. These trips still require a night's stay at Mason Bay. Please note the costs are higher than our standard trip above. Please contact us if your require further information. |
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"The
Kiwi Journey was a serious highlight of our round-the-world trip
and your knowledge of the flora, fauna and history along the way
made the 14km bushwalk to Mason Bay even more enjoyable... We'd
never hesitate at recommending Ruggedy Range to anyone who was
serious about seeing a kiwi in such an eco-friendly way. Your
respect, understanding and enthusiasm for the environment is exemplary.
Having a kiwi sniff your boots is an experience we'll always carry
with us and just the good fun we had with you........" "Well
organised and operated. Incredibly informative & rewarding."
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170 Horseshoe Bay Road, Stewart Island, NZ
Ph: 64 3 219 1066 Fax: 64 3 219 1078
www.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
Copyright 2002 - 2007, Ruggedy Range (Tm) - All rights reserved.