Oban Wharf
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Kayaking Rakiura
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Rakiura Stewart Island - 6 nights

Experience Rakiura, including Paterson Inlet, Port Adventure and Port Pegasus aboard the MV Fiordland Jewel

Stewart Island offers a rare and true wilderness, with 80% of its landmass covered in National Park.  A haven for kiwi and home to many kaka and rare yellow-eyed penguins, the island is a bird watcher’s paradise. On our 6-night small group expedition, it’s possible to get up close and personal with the native wildlife and truly experience the natural wonders of Stewart Island/Rakiura, from the comfort of our boutique catamaran, the Fiordland Jewel.

Relax and take in the scenery from one of our nine climate-controlled cabins, all with sea views and private ensuites, or head up to the main saloon and soak up the stories and history from our knowledgeable crew while enjoying delicious meals cooked by our onboard chef. Head out on short day walks into the native bush to fully appreciate the vibrant bird life and local fauna, visit the historic Norwegian whaling station at Prices Inlet, and the scenic reserve at Glory Cove.

Explore remote bays, rivers and inlets from a kayak or on board our tender boat, or try your hand at fishing.  At night, head to the top deck and luxuriate in our hot tub while you watch the light show - the Milky Way in an unspoiled night sky or, if you’re lucky, even the Aurora Australis.

Individual cabins can be booked for yourself, your small group of family and friends, or as a couple, for an experience you’ll be talking about for years to come.

A maximum of 18 passengers.

CURRENT AVAILABILITY IN 2024

Friday October 4 - Thursday October 10 - Fully Booked

Friday October 11 - Thursday October 17 - 1 cabin a/v - 1 Captain Cook

CURRENT AVAILABILITY IN 2025

Wednesday August 13 - Tuesday August 19 - 5 cabins a/v - 1 Governor, 3 Captain Cook, 1 Endeavour

RATES 2024 & 2025

  • Governor Cabin $8,600 per person (sleeps 2) - Super-King Dbl
  • Captain Cook Cabin $7,100 per person (sleeps 2) - Super-King Dbl
  • Endeavour Cabin $7,100 per person (sleeps 2) - King Single Beds
  • Resolution Cabin $4,350 per person (sleeps 2) - Single Bunkbeds

Retail prices are based on twin share, GST inclusive and in NZD, includes return transport per person Bluff-Oban (Boat), excludes beverages purchased from our licensed bar on board the Fiordland Jewel. View cabins.

A single occupancy discount of 25% is available on the twin share rate. (not applicable in conjunction with any other offer)

DAY 1

Board the Fiordland Jewel in Halfmoon Bay, Oban late morning. Explore Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera.

DAY 2-6

  • Explore the inlets, bays and rivers of Stewart Island in a kayak, or in the Fiordland Jewel’s tender boat, if the weather permits there is a chance that we can circumnavigate the island and discover remote areas of Rakiura National Park, which comprises 85% of the island's 1,570 square kilometers
  • On most days there may be the opportunity to head to shore, with the chance to stretch your legs. Bush, island and beach walks include the Ulva Island bird sanctuary, historic Norwegian whaling station in Prices Inlet and Little Glory Bay
  • Experience Stewart Island's abundant marine and bird life
  • Some fishing to catch a feed, if you wish to do so
  • Kayaking and tender boat excursions

DAY 7

Disembark the Fiordland Jewel in Halfmoon Bay, Oban to catch a morning ferry back to Bluff.

  • Return transport – Bluff-Oban by ferry
  • All meals prepared by our on board chef in our commercial kitchen - all dietary requirements are catered for.
  • Some fishing to catch a feed, if you wish to do so
  • Complimentary tea & coffee
  • Use of our kayaks and top deck hot tub (weather dependent)
  • In each cabin: Toiletries - body wash, shampoo & conditioner by Sans [ceuticals] , hairdryer, linen and bath towels

Excludes

  • Wine, beer & soft drinks (no spirits), these are available for you to purchase from our licensed on board bar. Please note: Do not bring alcohol on board with you, as this will breach our liquor license.

This was our fourth trip on the Fiordland Jewel. Each excursion has been unique and magical and educational.
The Fiordland Discovery's expedition team, worked in concert with perfect weather to ensure that we were able to safely and successfully circumnavigate the 104 miles around Stewart Island. Because the navigational team knows this area from years of experience, we were able to explore delightful hidden-away coves and bays that were unknown to us previously.

Marsa, Dunedin, New Zealand

On this trip I saw New Zealand at its most untouched and beautiful, and gained a profound appreciation of the world at our doorstep.

Eleanor Barker, Journalist, New Zealand Herald Travel, New Zealand

The crew were superlative, all faultless, we were so lucky to have them. The atmosphere on board, perfect, the trip nothing but joy.

Highlights for me were the glimpse and thrill of the marvellous Southern Ocean - I was enthralled; the glorious walk on the rocky hill we climbed; the food the food, was superb.

How fortunate we all were.

Thank you for a truly magnificent experience, and the delight to say we have circumnavigated Stewart Island.

Jo, New Zealand