Stewart Island Sea Kayak - Ulva Island, Ruggedy Range (Tm) Wilderness Experience, Stewart Island, Ulva Island, New Zealand, Rakiura National Park, Guided Kayaking, Guided Sea Kayaking, Ecotourism, Guided Nature Walks, Guided Hiking, Guided Trekking, Guided Tramping, Kiwi Spotting Trips, Bird Watching, New Zealand Kayaking, New Zealand Kayak, Stewart Island Kayaking, Stewart Island Kayaks, Ulva Island Kayaks, Hiking, Walks, Walking, Trekking, Tramping, Birding, Birds, Kiwi, Kayaking, Canoeing, Kayak New Zealand, Sea Kayak, Kayaking, kayak, kayaks, sea kayaks, sea kayaking, ecology, nature tours, eco tours

Page updated: 5th July 2008

TRIP DETAILS: Inlet, River & Kiwi

Sea Kayaking – INLET, RIVER & KIWI
Duration	3 1/2 Days
Distance	Day 1: Kayak – approx. 25 kms (15.5 miles). Day 2: Walk - 14 kms (9 miles) to Mason Bay and 3 – 5 kms (2 – 3 miles) for kiwi spotting. Day 3: Walk - 14 kms (9 miles) to Freshwater Landing. Kayak - approx. 20 kms (12.5 miles). Day 4: Kayak approx. 12 to 15 kms (7.5 to 9.5 miles).
Time	8.30 am Day 1 to approx. 3.00 pm Day 4
Start/End	Watercress Beach (Paterson Inlet), 15 minutes walk from Halfmoon Bay.
Fitness	Very Good
Terrain	Day 2 & 3: Some mud, slippery tree roots in parts and beach.
Adult	$950.00 p.p.
Child	N/A
Includes	Kayak hire (spray skirt, jacket, paddle, safety gear).All meals, drinks, snacks, hut/camp fees, use of tent/sleeping mats if required and cutlery/utensils and cooking gear.
Minimum	4 persons
Maximum	6 persons

Paddle across Paterson Inlet, along primeval river. Walk through wetland to stunning west coast, search for kiwi, explore hidden bays, stories of the past…

Book Now (click here to make a booking)

What we do - See also main Map.

Our itinerary may vary to take into account weather/sea conditions and client abilities. We meet for a trip briefing the day before the trip commences and to ensure clients are fitted with correct gear. For everyone's safety and enjoyment it is important that clients have the appropriate fitness.

Day 1 - Meet at Watercress Beach and travel for approx. 2 ½ hours across Paterson Inlet and past Dynamite Point. After a rest and refreshments we kayak for another 2 ½ - 3 hours, heading into Freshwater River, following its winding course to Freshwater Landing. Stay at Freshwater Hut or camp nearby.

Day 2 - Take a flat easy hike of 14 kms along Freshwater Flats to Mason Bay, through manuka scrub and board walked wetland, about 4 - 6 hours. We enjoy birdlife including, the Stewart Island robin and fernbirds, flora and orchids in season. There is also evidence of kiwi to mull over and occasionally we actually see a kiwi in the daytime! We stay at Mason Bay Hut or camp nearby. Mason Bay has a stunning 14 kms of beach, one of the most extensive natural sand dune systems in New Zealand, we take a short walk to the beach and spend some time on the dunes. In the evening we go kiwi spotting at dusk to catch a glimpse of this shy bird. Kiwi are wild birds, sighting are not guaranteed. To see a kiwi is a privilege that many clients will never forget!

Day 3 - Hike back to Freshwater Landing, stopping along the way for lunch. After a rest and refreshments at Freshwater Landing, we kayak to Millars Beach, in Paterson Inlet where we camp for the night.

Day 4 - We take our time exploring the Whaling Base, Kidney Fern and Kaipipi Bay before returning to Watercress Beach. Watch the sea-life through crystal clear waters and listen to the sound of native birds. We assist with transfers to your accommodation.

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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