evening  Kiwi Spotting at Mamaku Point Conservation Reserve $130pp

Duration:  2 to 3 hours
Departs:    OBAN TOWNSHIP after sunset (depending on the time of year this can be between 6.30pm to 10.30pm). Time and location advised when you contact us to re confirm your booking.
What happens on the tour: meet our guide for pre-tour briefing and courtesy vehicle transfer to Mamaku Point Conservation Reserve. Entrance to the Reserve is via a straightforward quarantine area before the search for Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka) begins. Courtesy vehicle transfer to your Stewart Island accommodation is provided when the tour ends.
Price includes: vehicle transfer from Oban township to Mamaku Point Conservation Reserve, vehicle transfer to Stewart Island accommodation when tour ends, our specialist kiwi guide for the duration of the tour, $20 per person donation to Mamaku Point Conservation Trust and tax.
Operates: Operates all year except 1st January, 5th November, 25th Dec & 31st December.

prior booking essential

Adult: $130

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terms & faq

to book a tour departing within the next 48 hours please call us!

Ulva's Guided Walks takes the wellbeing of clients, guides and boat skippers seriously. If we believe the tour poses a risk to anyone they may be asked to leave the tour.

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Join us for a memorable evening to see the largest of New Zealand's iconic kiwi species, the Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka) in its natural habitat.

We meet after sunset in the Oban township for pre-tour briefing and make the short road journey to Mamaku Point Conservation Reserve, entering via a straightforward quarantine process. With our local guide explore the forest and favoured hang-outs of these rare iconic birds. Listen for Morepork and Blue Penguin and marvel at the stars above - Stewart Island's spectacular night sky is accredited Dark Sky Sanctuary status by the International Dark Sky Association.

Terrain encountered on this tour may include muddy/wet tracks, uneven ground, gradients, native bush and sandy beach. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

We provide everyone with a red filter torch and you are welcome to bring binoculars and a camera so long as you can turn the flash and shutter sounds off.  If you cannot operate your camera in the dark we respectfully ask that you experience the evening using your own senses rather than through a camera lens.

Typical group size is 4-6 adults. Private tours available, please ask!

This tour is suitable for:

• Bird watchers & listers
• Night owls
• Nature lovers
• Night sky lovers
• Couples, singles

Level of fitness required:

• good level of fitness and agility essential;
  
• ability to walk unassisted in the dark;
  
• manage challenging terrain including muddy/wet tracks, uneven ground, gradients, native bush, sandy beach;
• we walk for 2 hours.

Tour is not suitable for those with visual impairment, walking difficulties or youngsters aged under 15 years old.

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Ulva's Guided Walks has exclusive rights to operate kiwi spotting tours at Mamaku Point Conservation Reserve which is located 4km from the Oban township on north-eastern coastline of Stewart Island.  Since 2005 the Reserve has been protected by a 2.1km long biosecurity fence to inhibit the movement of non-native mammals into the Reserve.  As a result of the comprehensive biosecurity programme this world class ecological preserve is a thriving habitat for native flora and fauna - more than 126 native species, including a population of Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka).

​​If you would like to volunteer with Mamaku Point Conservation Trust please contact them directly.

... and finally, THANK YOU.
By choosing Ulva's Guided Walks you help us support Mamaku Point Conservation Trust to improve the biodiversity, accessibility and sustainability of Mamaku Point Conservation Reserve.