Page updated: 5th July 2008

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About the Ruggedy's & Mason

About Kiwi

Trip Details - Wilderness Escape

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About the Ruggedy's & Mason Bay

The Ruggedy Mountains are situated in the northwest corner of Stewart Island. They are stunning jagged peaks uplifted from the sea approx. 130 million years ago. The sea makes a spectacular backdrop on the western side. Across from the Ruggedy Mountains is Codfish Island a nature reserve where a breeding programme is continuing for the endangered kakapo (the worlds only nocturnal parrot). There is no public access for Codfish Island.

Mason Bay is situated south of the Ruggedy Mountains, 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.

To appreciate the diversity of ecosystems on Stewart Island, we recommend that you also come on one of our Ulva Island - Birds & Forest guided walks. 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: Wilderness Escape

A thrilling ride to Stewart Island in a helicopter, dramatic coastal scenery and rolling dunes, the search for kiwi - New Zealand's most ancient bird, native forest, spectacular sub-alpine top, primeval river, providing superb photographic opportunities….

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What we do (click here for Map)

Day 1 - Meet at Invercargill Airport for a breathtaking 15 minutes helicopter flight to Halfmoon Bay. Continue west to Hellfire Hut, on the edge of the Ruggedy Mountain, arriving 15 minutes later. Store overnight packs in the Hut before continuing by helicopter to West Ruggedy beach. With only day packs, hike along the coast, enjoying rugged dunes and superb views before climbing the saddle across the Ruggedy Mountains and down to Waituna Bay. Continue along undulating terrain to Hellfire Hut.

Day 2 - Hike rugged terrain (approx. 12 kms) through native forest to Little Hellfire Beach, watch the surf breaking on the shore. After lunch, climb Mason Head and drop down to Mason Bay's stunning 14 kms of beach. We hike a couple of hours along Mason Bay Beach to Duck Creek, arriving 7 - 8 hours later. Continue inland to Mason Bay Hut (15 minutes from the beach), where we stay or camp near. In the evening search for kiwi. Kiwi are wild birds and sightings are not guaranteed. It is a privilege to see a kiwi, an experience that many clients will never forget!

Day 3 - We walk up Big Sandhill, 156 mtrs (511 ft), to get views across Mason Bay and Freshwater Flats and explore the extensive, classic dune environment, one of the most natural in New Zealand. Great for botanising and photography. After lunch, hike to Freshwater Landing 14 kms (4 - 6 hours), view bird and plants along the way. Stay at Freshwater Hut or camp nearby.

Day 4 - We hike up Rocky Mtn, 549 mtrs (1,800 ft), 3 hours return to enjoy stunning views across Paterson Inlet and Stewart Island. After lunch - our water taxi picks us up at Freshwater Landing taking us along Freshwater River and across Paterson Inlet to Golden Bay Wharf, about 40 minutes. Freshwater River is a winding, primeval river, stained with tannin and flanked by manuka (tea tree), ferns and mosses. We assist with your transfers to Halfmoon Bay.

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