Page update June 2010

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About Mason Bay

About Kiwi

Trip Details - Kiwi Journey

Trip Details - Kiwi, Dunes & Beach

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About Mason Bay

Mason Bay is situated on the west coast of Stewart Island. It has approx. 14 kms (9 miles) 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.

About Kiwi

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.

TRIP DETAILS: Kiwi Journey

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.

Departure Dates

What we do (click here for Map)

Please note: we have had over 90% success of seeing kiwi on our guided trips.

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 (15.5 kms or 10 miles) 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.

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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