Trip Details

Mason Bay and the Freshwater Valley provide an abundance of photographic opportunities due to the array of ecosystems and wilderness habitats.

Our primary purpose is to seek a kiwi to allow you take a photograph. Kiwi are highly sensitive birds. Mainly nocturnal, some of our kiwi are active in the daytime. Sightings are not guaranteed, in particular a sighting good enough for photography can often be hard. However, we have had some wonderful daytime sightings, resulting in some great photographs. Private customised tours can be arranged if you want to spend more time at Mason Bay to increase your chances of getting a good photograph.  

Our trips provide an opportunity to try to photograph kiwi and other native birds, the breathtaking dune and beach environment, native coastal and inland plants, orchids and of course the general wilderness environment. 

We use our in-depth knowledge of the area to try to maximise your chances of taking away some stunning imagery. Although similar to the Kiwi Journey Fly In / Boat Out option, this trip is simply dedicated to taking photography. The group moves together, but each participant can choose what they want to photograph. Your guide will try to maximise your photo opportunities by finding birds and pointing out interesting subject matter.

The middle section of Stewart Island from west to east coast comprises: Mason Bay, the Freshwater Flats / Freshwater Valley and Paterson Inlet.

Mason Bay has approximately 14 kms (9 miles) of curved beach, one of the most extensive natural sand dune systems in New Zealand with native coastal plants, some sea and shore birds and a 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! 

Coastal forest, tussock, grasses and scrub surround Mason Bay. Further inland, the surrounding northern and southern hills slope down to an extensive wetland area - the Freshwater Flats.  A multitude of creeks that run through the flats feed water into Freshwater River. The river meanders down to its estuary at the start of Paterson Inlet, releasing tannin stained water and silt. The changing habitat, allows a variety of native and endemic birds and plants to exist in the area.

Important:

  • Our trip times are dependent on daylight hours and high tides for boat trips to / from Freshwater River and low tides for plane access to Mason Bay. Weather is always an important consideration. 
  • Our day to day itinerary will vary due to weather / client preferences / aspects of nature.
LOCATION

Mason Bay and the Freshwater Valley, Rakiura National Park, Stewart Island.  

ACCOMMODATION ON THE HIKE

We stay at Mason Bay Hut, which is operated by the Department of Conservation. Facilities are shared with other independent hikers. 

Mason Bay Hut does not have a hut booking system. In the event that the hut is full, we have stored tents and sleeping mats for our clients at Mason Bay.

Facilities at the hut include: Sleeping area, separated from kitchen/communal area. The sleeping area is partitioned into three areas, two with 4 bunks each, and one with 12 bunks. The bunks have mattresses. The kitchen has work benches, sinks with cold running water, tables and seating. There is an outside washbasin with cold running water and long drop toilets.

FOOD ON OUR TRIP

We provide healthy meals and snacks (plus the sweet things too), with local seafood where possible. We cater for most dietary requirements.

Meals on our trips include:

Day 1: Lunch, pre-dinner snacks, dinner, hot drinks. Snacks during the day.

Day 2: Breakfast, lunch, hot drinks. Snacks during the day.

Meal arrangements can vary depending on the timing of our trips. 

WEAR AND BRING

We recommend at least a 45 litre backpack with your personal belongings, light sleeping bag and space for food and snacks.
Camera equipment: camera, spare batteries, spare memories cards, tripod (remember you will have to carry this). Waterproof cover recommended for your camera.
See: Wear and Bring. We operate an Outdoor Shop (Gear Hire / Purchases).

PACKAGE OPTION

Contact us for customised packages to include travel to and from Stewart Island by ferry or plane and accommodation before and / or after your guided walk.

OTHER RECOMMENDED TOURS

To appreciate the diversity that Stewart Island has to offer, we recommend that you come on the following tour:

BIRDS SEEN

Some commonly seen birds include:

Land birds: Kiwi, Stewart Island robin, Stewart Island fern bird, New Zealand pipit, tui, bellbird, South Island tomtit, fantail, grey warbler, red-crowned parakeet, wood pigeon, kingfisher, brown creeper, Australasian harrier, skylark, chaffinch, dunnock.

Sea birds: Little blue penguins.

Shore birds: Black-backed gull, red-billed gull, variable oystercatcher, banded dotterel, Stewart Island shag, pied shag, white-fronted tern, black swan.

Note: Southern New Zealand dotterel are seen on some trips.

FLORA

The flora is varied and includes podocarps on the slopes of the Freshwater Valley, manuka, wetland plants including mosses and lichen, tussock, scrub, flax, coastal and dune plants and a variety of orchid species.

Testimonials

"I am an enthusiastic wildlife photographer and wanted to take good quality pictures of Kiwi, Yellowhead, Riflemen and Weka. This I acheived with many other species I had not expected. I am certain I would not have succeeded without Furhana's guiding hand. She knew exactly where to look. I would say to any keen photographer "Let Furhana find your subject. The rest is up to you" Thank you Furhana for a simply amazing trip."

Itinerary

  • Day prior to your trip

    Meet at the Ruggedy Range™ Booking Office for our trip briefing.

    This is an opportunity to meet your guide and other participants. We provide some general information about your hike, ensure you have the right gear for the trip, inform you about what is involved and answer any questions. The trip briefing is a mandatory part of our tour, for approximately 1 hour and generally held the day prior to your tour from 6.00  to 7.00 pm.

  • Day 1

    Meet with your guide to check in for your flight to Mason Bay.

    Enjoy an exhilarating, scenic flight across to Mason Bay (10 - 15 minutes). Take in stunning views of Paterson Inlet, the winding Freshwater River, wetland dunes and Mason Bay. Land on the spectacular beach at Mason Bay. 

    We make our way to Mason Bay Hut where we stay or camp nearby. Today, we have the day to explore the surrounding dune and beach environment and search for kiwi.

     

  • Day 2

    An early morning start as we spend time searching for kiwi.

    After breakfast, we hike eastwards to Freshwater Landing. Enjoy some photographic opportunities along the way. Relax on our water taxi on the Freshwater River and across Paterson Inlet. Arrive at Golden Bay Wharf about 45 minutes later. Transfers provided to Oban, Halfmoon Bay.

WATERTAXI IMG 5396
Ruggedy Range™
Evening light in Paterson Inlet

Pricing & Info

Adult

NZ $ 1,150.00 per persons

Includes

Photography tour, Mason Bay flight, transfers from Golden Bay Wharf, water taxi from Freshwater River, meals, snacks, hot drinks, hut/camp fees, use of tent/sleeping mats if required, use eating and cooking equipment, Department of Conservation fees, admin costs.

Min persons

6 persons

Max persons

7 persons

Duration

2 Days + 1 Night

Distance

Day1: Approx. 5 to 10 kms (3 to 6 miles) around Mason Bay and 3 kms (1 mile) for kiwi spotting.

Day 2: 15.5 kms (10 miles) to Freshwater Landing.  Additional 3 kms (1 mile) for kiwi spotting.

Terrain

Flat except for dunes.  Includes, dunes, beach, bare track, some boardwalk, large sections of mud and tree roots.
Track conditions are subject to change from dry to wet periods, with occasional flooding in the wetland area.

Time

All trip times are dependent on tides - which vary day to day.
Generally depart Day 1 approx. 7.30 / 8.00 am and return Day 2, approx. 5.00 to 7.00 pm

Start/End

Ruggedy Range™ Booking Office

Suitable for

Good fitness essential. This is an active trip, with early morning start and late night finish.

Departure Dates

Prior bookings are essential.  
Additional dates (including off-season) may be available subject to feasibility and staff availability.  Please contact us.

MONTH  DATES 
SEPTEMBER Please enquire
OCTOBER 2022 Please enquire
NOVEMBER 2022 Please enquire
DECEMBER 2022 Please enquire
JANUARY 2023 Please enquire
FEBRUARY 2023 Please enquire
MARCH 2023 Please enquire
APRIL 2023 Please enquire