birding...

Stewart Island is often referred to as New Zealand’s best kept secret for its unspoilt rain forest and coastline and abundant rare flora and fauna. It is also known by many as the best place in New Zealand for bird watching because of the number of different species and high population numbers in easily accessible terrain. You will see many of New Zealand’s rarest species at Stewart Island – some not viewable anywhere else in the New Zealand or indeed the world.

Stewart island is 1,746 km2 – about the size of Singapore. It is New Zealand’s third largest island, lying to the south of the North and South Islands. The native Maori legend of the god Maui tells that Stewart Island is the anchor of his canoe, the canoe being the South island. The newly opened Rakiura National Park, encompassing 85% of Stewart Island is marked by a symbolic chain sculpture depicting Stewart Island anchoring to the mainland. Rakiura is the Maori name for Stewart Island – meaning the land of the glowing skies for the spectacular sunrises and vibrant sunsets, and the Aurora Australis or southern lights phenomenon lucky visitors may witness.

The geography of Stewart Island varies, with windswept sub-Antarctic terrain at the southernmost end, long golden sandy beaches, rivers, sheltered inlets, rugged coastline and ranges, and lush rain forest. Stewart Island’s position and geography creates its own microclimate, particularly on the north eastern aspect, sheltered from weather from the south by the internal geography of the island. This aspect has many sheltered bays teeming with sea life and lush, rain forest, rich with bird and plant life, and is the site of Stewart Island’s only town, Oban on the harbour of Halfmoon Bay. Oban has a permanent population of around 400 people, many of whom are involved in fishing, ecotoursim and conservation. Stewart Islanders are excellent hosts.

Stewart Island’s lush rain forest and sea-life rich shores are home to many species of native bird. Relatively predator free, the main township of Oban enjoys daily encounters with abundant bird life. Tui, Bellbird, Kereru (native pigeon), Fantail and Kaka are everywhere and frequent visitors to homes and gardens. Visitors will most likely have raucous Kaka noisily flying in to see what is on offer, or a curious Weka may wander past. Both these species aren’t shy and will take a snack from your hand! Stewart Island is one of the best paces in New Zealand to spot a kiwi. Kiwi watching tours depart each evening during the season. Some visitors may be lucky enough to see the Stewart Island Kiwi during daylight hours on a hiking trail or in the forest, as Stewart Island Kiwi are uniquely diurnal as well as nocturnal.

There are numerous easy day walks along coast or through forest trails close to Oban town, which vary from a few minutes to a couple of hours duration. Keen hikers can take the Rakiura Track, Southern Circuit or Northwest Circuit of some days duration and a variable level of difficulty.

One of the best places to see many of New Zealand’s forest bird species is on the predator free Ulva Island Sanctuary. You can take a guided tour, or travel independently by a short water taxi trip. Ulva Island’s rain forest trails sing with bird life. You will likely see Tits, Fernbird, the rare Stewart Island Robin and Saddleback and possibly other rare species as well as many Kaka, Bellbird, Tui, Kereru, Parakeets, and Weka. On Ulva Island’s Sandy beaches you will see Oystercatchers, Penguins and other coastal seabirds.

Several endangered species recovery programs operate on Stewart Island and surrounding islands, including part of the Kakapo Recovery Program on Codfish Island. Only 86 Kakapo remain in the world. In winter of 2006, for the first time, the public were able to view one of these kakapo ‘Sirocco’ a non-breeding male was transferred to a secure enclosure on Ulva Island for 10 weeks. Viewing trips were held each evening and visitors could come to within a perspex pane of Sirocco. This was a very special event which attracted birders from around the world for a once in a lifetime experience. It is hoped that the Kakapo Encounter will be repeated next winter.

Any boat trip – whether to Stewart Island by scheduled ferry or charter boat from Stewart Island will afford viewing of many pelagic species including Albatross, Petrels and Shearwaters (including the Sooty Shearwater, Titi or Muttonbird), as well as Gulls, Terns, Skuas, Cormorants and Penguins. Penguins are a common sight around Halfmoon Bay, and many other bays and coastline. You will see Little Blues swimming at Lonneker’s Beach (a short walk from the township of Oban) and Crested Penguins and the rare and endangered Yellow Eye on coastline and beaches around Patterson Inlet and on Ulva Island.

This page is sponsored by...
Kakapo Cottage

…a newly renovated 3 bedroom [sleeps 8] self-catering holiday home with kitchen & laundry, linen supplied, books, games & DVD’s for bird enthusiasts; complimentary double kayak, 2 mountain bikes, fishing lines, picnic set, petanque and baby gear for guests use. In native forest reserve, with panoramic views of Halfmoon Bay it’s perfect for birders. Kaka come to feed from your hand, Tui, Kaka, Bellbird, Fantail and Kereru come to the garden every day and Weka wander past the deck. 5 minutes walk from Oban town center or to Golden Bay and the water taxi to Ulva Island. Click the cottage for our website…