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Great Hike |
| Start: | Riverton Rock Guesthouse, Riverton (near Invercargill), 7:00pm |
| Finish: | Invercargill Airport at 1:50pm |
| Length: | 4.5 days |
| Grade: | B (Average of 4-5 hrs physical activity per day) |
| Price: | NZ$1495 |
| Departs: | Weekly (Nov - April) - see Departures |
Highlights: Stewart Island offers the best chance most people will ever have to see New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi, in its natural environment. Starting in Riverton, travel by light plane to Mason Bay on the West Coast of Stewart Island. Over the next four days you will walk and water taxi your way across the Island to Halfmoon Bay. Here you have a chance to meet a few of the locals before completing your journey back to Riverton/Invercargill.
Day 1: The first day can be spent exploring Riverton and preparing for the walk. In the evening you will meet your guide and fellow walkers at The Riverton Rock Guesthouse at 7:00pm. Settle in for a meal and discuss the days ahead.
Day 2: Fly from Riverton to Mason Bay on Stewart Island. Walk along this sweeping beach to the campsite at Mason Bay Hut. In the evening you can attempt to spot one of the local residents - a kiwi. 4 hours hiking.
Day 3: Follow the Stewart Island track across the island to Freshwater River. Scrub covered sand dunes, head high tussock and manuka house many native birds, including kiwis, robins and parakeets. At Freshwater on the high tide, meet the water taxi for a half-hour ride down Freshwater River and across Paterson Inlet to Halfmoon Bay. 4 hours hiking.
Day 4: Today you can explore Paterson Inlet by sea kayak, water taxi and foot including a visit to Ulva Island, an open sanctuary playing an important role in the conservation of threatened species. 3 hours sea kayaking, 3 hours hiking.
Day 5: Explore Halfmoon Bay. Try one of many short walks, visit a local craft gallery, or just soak up the island ambience. In the afternoon fly to Invercargill for the completion of our journey. 2 hours hiking.
Click here for the detailed trip dossier
This trip goes well with the following tours:
- Fault-Line Adventure
- Footsteps of Sir Mawson
- Hollyford Walk
- Hump Ridge Track
- Sub Antarctic Islands
- West Coast Wilderness
"Stewart Island Track – go kiwi spotting on Stewart Island, New Zealand!"
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