Stewart Island Pelagic & Wildlife Tour

If you have a keen interest in wildlife then this pelagic tour is just right to get you acquainted with the real Stewart Island locals!

Duration 1.5 Hours

Experience Stewart Island's authentic wildlife with pelagic tour, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.!

Stewart Island is situated in the unique convergence zone of the Tasman Sea, Pacific Ocean and bordering the Southern Ocean. This means it offers great potential to encounter a huge variety of ocean going bird species in just the one location. Many of these species can not be found anywhere else, other than the very remote and restricted Subantarctic Islands, which are much harder to get to!

This tour presents a chance to spot penguins, albatross, mollymawks, petrels, cormorants, gulls, terns, skua, and wading birds. Our experienced skippers tailor the excursion based on your interests, the day's conditions, and weather. Explore various areas, including Ulva Island coastline, the Bravo Island group, the Neck, Whero rock, Bench Island, and other points of interest around Paterson Inlet/Stewart Island.

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Stewart Island Pelagic & Wildlife Tour – FAQs | Rakiura Adventure

Stewart Island Pelagic & Wildlife Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before your pelagic and wildlife tour, Stewart Island/Rakiura.

How long is the tour?

This tour is 1.5 hours long, but we can do longer ones if requested. We have done specialised tours up to and over 3 hours.

What will I see on the tour?

This tour is perfect for wildlife and birding enthusiasts. Because Stewart Island is nestled at the convergence of the Tasman Sea, Pacific Ocean, and the Southern Ocean, it offers a unique opportunity to encounter a diverse array of oceanic bird species not commonly found elsewhere, except for the remote Subantarctic Islands. This tour presents a chance to spot penguins, albatross, mollymawks, petrels, cormorants, gulls, terns, skua, wading birds, fur seals, sealions, and more!

How much does it cost?

Discounted fares increase as group sizes increase:

1–2 adults — $125 per person
3–4 adults — $100 per person

Is seasickness an issue?

If the weather is so severe that we are worried about people feeling unwell, we won't go out and you will receive a full refund. In saying that, we also take pride in getting out into areas that allow you to see a lot without necessarily being in the thick of the weather or sea state. Our skipper is more than happy to walk you through options to ensure you have a great experience!

What time of day is best for the tour?

Our timeslots bookable online are typically set at an ideal time to get a rounded experience. If you are looking for a particular species or have a niche interest, please call or email us — we can offer a customised time slot which may allow better viewing of certain species.

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