Stewart Island Guided Wilderness Walk Tickets at Visitor Terminal - Stewart Island Experience

A guided walk on Stewart Island taking in Oneke's coastal dunes, native forest, and Māori heritage, with sea crossings by catamaran from Oban.

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Free cancellation (24h)

The Stewart Island Guided Wilderness Walk is a guided tour departing from Oban on Stewart Island, off the southern tip of New Zealand's South Island. The tour begins at the ferry terminal in Oban, where guests board a catamaran for a scenic crossing to Oneke. Stewart Island, known in Māori as Rakiura, is one of New Zealand's least developed islands, covering around 1,746 square kilometres with over 85 per cent protected as Rakiura National Park. For visitors exploring things to do in Dunedin and the wider Southland region, this tour offers a practical and well-guided introduction to the island's landscapes and cultural history.

On arrival at Oneke, the walk takes in coastal dunes, rugged shorelines, and dense native forest. Guides cover the ecological significance of the area, pointing out native plants and birds including Weka and nesting seabirds, while explaining ongoing local conservation efforts. The cultural dimension of the tour addresses Oneke's role in Māori history and its place in early European settlement. The return journey is made by catamaran back to Oban. Tickets cover the guided walk, both sea crossings, and the services of a qualified local guide throughout.

Why you'll love it

  • Explore the wild beauty of Oneke with a scenic cruise, guided forest and coastal walk, exclusive access, and incredible wildlife sightings.
  • Begin your journey with a relaxing boat ride to Oneke, ‘The Neck,’ a remote and historically rich part of Stewart Island.
  • Trek across coastal and forest trails with your guide, learning about the region’s ecology and spotting native wildlife.
  • Step into a world few get to see—Oneke’s hidden landscapes and deep-rooted Māori and European history, revealed by your expert guide.
  • Did you know? Oneke is called The Neck due to its narrow shape between ocean waters.

What's included

  • Scenic cruise to Oneke
  • Expert nature guide
  • Access to Oneke
  • Guided coastal & forest walk
  • Wildlife spotting

Good to know

Know before you go

Arrival and check-in

Make your way to the ferry terminal in Oban ahead of your departure time. Check in at the Visitor Terminal, where you will meet your guide before boarding the catamaran to Oneke. Arrive in good time before the start so the group can depart together without delay.

What to bring and wear

  • Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for uneven forest and coastal terrain.
  • Dress in layers, as coastal and forest conditions on Stewart Island can change quickly.
  • Bring water, sunscreen, and any personal items you may need for a full day outdoors.

During the walk

This is an outdoor guided experience, so follow your guide's instructions at all times, particularly around wildlife and sensitive natural areas. Stay with the group on the trail. Photography is welcome throughout, though your guide may ask you to keep noise and movement to a minimum during wildlife encounters to avoid disturbing the animals.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.

Frequently asked

What is the Stewart Island Guided Wilderness Walk?

The Stewart Island Guided Wilderness Walk is a guided day experience that takes you through ancient forests, rugged coastlines, and coastal dunes on Stewart Island, with a focus on native wildlife, Māori and European heritage, and local conservation. The journey includes a scenic catamaran cruise to Oneke and a return cruise to Oban, led by an expert guide throughout.

Where does the Stewart Island Guided Wilderness Walk start?

The experience begins at the ferry terminal in Oban, Stewart Island, which is a 5-minute walk from the main road. Guests check in there and meet their guide before departing by catamaran to Oneke.

What does the Stewart Island Guided Wilderness Walk include?

The experience includes a scenic catamaran cruise to Oneke, a guided walk through forest, coastal dunes, and shorelines, wildlife spotting with commentary on local conservation, storytelling about Māori and European history, and a return cruise to Oban.

What wildlife might I see on the Stewart Island Guided Wilderness Walk?

Your guide will help you spot native birds and wildlife along the route, including Weka and nesting seabirds. During the sea cruises, there are also opportunities to observe seabirds and marine life along the coastline.

What cultural history is covered on the walk?

The guide shares stories about the cultural significance of Oneke in Māori history as well as its role in early European settlement, giving visitors an introduction to both the indigenous heritage and colonial history of the area.

Where you'll be

Visitor Terminal - Stewart Island Experience, Visitor Terminal - Stewart Island Experience, Stewart Island, Southland

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