Excursion Sea and wildlife cruise tour at Stewart Island

With over 115 miles (184 kilometres) of coastline and many small islands, Paterson Inlet is one of the most beautiful harbours in New Zealand. Native forest extends down to the waterline in many places, while the coastline is a rugged mix of rock and sandy beaches. Its pristine condition is evident in the clarity of the water, where it is possible to see the bottom of the harbour, 30 feet (about ten metres) below. In an area renowned for its marine life, over 200 species of red and brown seaweed thrive in these waters.

This excursion provides the opportunity of cruising in comfort around Paterson Inlet where the rich fauna and flora, as well as the heritage of the area, will be explained by the knowledgeable captain.

After tendering to Oban Wharf, board your chartered launch and commence your cruise around Paterson Inlet. At Prices Inlet, the Captain points out the remains of a Norwegian whaling repair base. Here, for eight years in the mid-1920s, a number of Norwegian whale chaser boats would be repaired during the winter months, while the mother ships returned to Norway with the oil extracted from the whales.

The launch will also cruise out to the Mutton Bird Islands for a chance to view New Zealand fur seals and a variety of sea birds including Buller's albatross, White-capped albatross, several varieties of penguins, petrels and terns, and the Sooty Shearwater or Titi Mutton birds as they are known to local Maori. The Sooty Shearwater breed on these small off-shore islands and Rakiura Maori carry out traditional harvesting of the chicks for a limited period in the autumn. The adult birds migrate to Alaska during the New Zealand winter, returning in the early summer to nest in the same place at Stewart Island, year after year.

During the cruise, coffee, tea and biscuits are served. At the end of your cruise, the launch returns you to the wharf for your tender back to the ship.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Paterson Inlet, Price's Inlet, Kidney Fern Arm, Kaipipi Bay

Note

Please note: This tour requires a minimal amount of walking for approx 100 meters/ 328 feet. Guests must be able to step into the vessle from the wahrf without assistance. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, guest utilising a wheelchair must be able to manoeuvre in and out of a tender and a boat, where caution is advised.It is not recommend for guests, who suffer from motion sikness. The catamaran has covered space in case of rain and restrooms are available onboard. We recommend wearing flat, rubber-soled shoes and bringing a warm, waterproof jacket and credit card or cash in NZD to purchuase drinks onboard. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. Space is very limited; we suggest you reserve this tour in advance to avoid disappointment.