evening Kiwi Spotting at Mamaku Point Conservation Reserve
|
Departs: after sunset (departure time is different throughout the year eg. July @ 7:00pm / January @ 10:00pm) Duration: 2 to 3 hours What happens on the tour: meet our guide at 10 MAIN ROAD (diagonally opposite Rakiura Museum Te Puka o Te Waka) for biosecurity briefing and 10-minute drive to Mamaku Point Conservation Reserve. Our search for Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka) takes us across some challenging terrain in the dark (red light torches are provided). At the end of the evening our guide drives all guests back to their Stewart Island accommodation. Price includes: vehicle transfers from Oban township to Mamaku Point to Stewart Island accommodation, our specialist kiwi guide for the duration of the tour, donation to Mamaku Point Conservation Trust and tax. Operates: year-round except evenings when fireworks are likely to be set off eg. 1st January, 5th November, 25th December & 31st December. 
Ulva’s Guided Walks has exclusive rights to operate kiwi spotting tours inside Mamaku Point Conservation Reserve. A portion of your fare is donated to the Mamaku Point Conservation Trust to support their conservation efforts to improve biodiversity, accessibility and sustainability of the area.
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 biosecurity briefing and the short drive to Mamaku Point Conservation Reserve. Mamaku Point is protected by a biosecurity fence to inhibit the movement of non-native mammals into the area. We enter the Reserve via a strict 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 - since 2019 Stewart Island's spectacular night sky has been 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 red light torches. At the end of the evening our guide drives all guests back to their Stewart Island accommodation - no need to worry about finding your way 'home' in the dark! You are welcome to bring a camera so long as you can turn 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! Night & Day combo rate applies to direct bookings when you join us for evening kiwi spotting and half day Ulva Island guided walk! Terms apply. If you would like to volunteer with Mamaku Point Conservation Trust please contact them directly. |
Price per person $140 This tour is suitable for:
** prior booking is essential ** if you wish to book a tour departing within the next 72 hours please phone us |
