Wings Over Wairarapa 2011 
Stewart Island Track
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The Stewart Island Track is an all inclusive guided walk that starts in Invercargill on the south coast of the South Island and spends three nights on Stewart Island and Raikura National Park. As well as the guided walk, the experience includes return scenic flights across Foveaux Strait, river travel by water taxi, sea kayaking, the Ulva Island bird sanctuary.
Whether you have come to enjoy the land and seascapes, view the wildlife, walk, boat, fish, dive, kayak, or just relax, a Stewart Island holiday will be an experience that will draw you back here again and again.
Accommodation: Is based on twin share with all linen provided. At Mason Bay we "rough it" a little. Comforatble camp but outside toilet and no shower. That's the price to see a kiwi in the wild. In Halfmoon Bay we stay in a Southland "crib" or private holiday home.
Fitness:
A medium level of fitness is required for these walks. You will be required to walk 5 to 6 hours/ 10 to 16km a day. The sea kayaking is in protected waters and no previous experience is required. Tracks can be muddy at times.
Weather:
Is unpredictable. Extreme conditions can develop at any time. Be prepared and have warm waterproof equipment.
The Company and Guides:
Kiwi Wilderness Walks has combined with the best local operators in a carefully designed itinerary to ensure that you have an enjoyable and educational journey in the wilderness. The guides are dedicated to your safety and satisfaction.
WHAT TO BRING
A good pair of comfortable walking boots is essential. Some people find gaiters and walking sticks helpful. We are happy to arrange for extra luggage to be transferred to the end of your journey. The following list provides a guide for your packing:
- Pair of shorts, trousers
- Thick woollen or fleece top
- Thermal long johns and shirt
- Socks, underwear & handkercheif
- Warm hat and light gloves
- Waterproof coat with hood
- Favourite boots or walking shoes
- Pair of light shoes or sandals
- Pack with waterproof liner
- Small torch, water bottle
- Personal medicine, toilet bag
- Insect repellent, sunblock
- Camera and film
Departure Dates
For departure dates please contact Kirra Holidays
Difficulty: Moderate
Departs: 01 November 2010 - 30 April 2011
Accommodation: Huts, holiday homes and hotels
Includes: Accommodation, all meals, guide, return transfers, all equipment and maps
Start/Finish: Invercargill
Season: 01 Nov 10 - 30 Apr 11
Optional Transfers: Queenstown - Invercargill (return) & Te Anau - Invercargill (return) Contact Kirra Holidays for rates.
Pricing | Day by Day | Comments |
Pricing Table
| Prices per person | ||
|---|---|---|
| price per person | Adult | Child |
| 01 Oct 10 - 30 Sep 11 | $1,945.00 | $1,795.00 |
Day 1 - Invercargill
| Stay in the historic Victoria Railway Hotel in Invercargill. Pre track briefing and evening meal starts at 6:00 pm. Rental cars and any excess luggage can be left at the hotel. Invercargill is 170km from Queenstown and 190km from Te Anau. (D) |
Day 2 - Invercargill to Mason Bay
| Departure time changes with the tide and you will be advised at your briefing. Fly by light plane from
Invercargill airport to Mason Bay passing Codfish Island, an important Kakapo sanctuary. Landing on
Mason Bay beach we take some time to explore this isolated wonderland walking to the Mason Bay Hut,
the one night where we "rough it" camping alongside the Mason Bay Hut. This evening we will see if we can spot one of the local residents, a kiwi. Stewart Island Kiwi, or Tokoeka in Maori, is unique in that they are sometimes seen during the day. It is estimated that about a third of New Zealand's kiwi live on Stewart Island so this is one of the best places to see one in the wild. (B, L, D) Walking distance: 10km/4 hours |
Day 3 - Mason Bay to Halfmoon Bay
| An easy (fl at) walk across the Island to Freshwater. Some muddy sections so don't wear white
sandshoes. Massive sand dunes, head high tussock and Manuka trees house many native birds, including
kiwis and robins. At Freshwater Landing we meet the water taxi for a half hour ride down Freshwater River and across Paterson Inlet to Halfmoon Bay. Tonight we stay in a classic Southland "crib" or holiday home with power and a shower. Dinner is generally fresh Salmon caught that day. (B, L, D) Walking distance: 14kms/4 hours |
Day 4 - Paterson Inlet and Ulva Island
| Today you will explore Paterson Inlet by sea kayak, water taxi and foot. In the morning (this can alter
depending on the weather) take to the sea kayaks. After a thorough briefing from our sea kayak guide
you have the oppotunity to explore Paterson Inlet and this new marine reserve with the chance to see
seals, shags and little blue penguins. In the afternoon we visit Ulva Island, an open sanctuary playing an
important role in the conservation of threatened species. Birds we may see include the weka, kaka,
kakariki, kukupa, mohua and tieke. This is your second night in Halfmoon Bay. Sea kayaking duration: 3 hours Walking duration: 3 hours |
Day 5 - Halfmoon Bay to Invercargill
| Today you have time to explore Halfmoon Bay. Try one of many short walks, visit a local craft gallery, or just soak up the island ambience. In the afternoon (generally the 1:30pm flight) fly to Invercargill for the completion of our journey. Many customers chose to stay an extra night or two on Stewart Island or back in Invercargill (B) |
Accommodation |
Other 
