28th February 2024 to 6th March 2024
Stewart Island, New Zealand Circumnavigation
From £3050 per person
Deposit 20%. Balance due 12wks before embarkation
7 nights: 28 February - 06 March 2024
Price: AUD $5,750 / £3,050 per person
*Trips are priced in the operator's local currency. The sterling amount shown is a guide only and the amount you pay in sterling will change with currency fluctuations.
This expedition is designed to take you back in time to abundant sea life and minimal population. Stewart Island / Rakiura is home to 400 New Zealanders and 20,000 Brown Kiwis / Tokoeka. The Rakiura National Park occupies 85% of the island and with very few introduced predators, the bird life thrives. While we’ll spend the bulk of our expedition exploring the bays, islands and harbors of the east coast, we’ll complete the circumnavigation by sailing the western coast at the start or end of the trip depending on the weather.
We will enjoy spectacular anchorages along the way and take in the dramatic scenery, surrounded by virgin forest that descends from thousands of feet above us to sea level. Are you ready to witness the pristine beauty of Mother Nature? Are you seeking freedom from the winds of everyday life? If it's a resounding “yes”, it's time for you to embark on a breathtaking sailing expedition around the magical coastline of Stewart Island, New Zealand.
You fly to Stewart Island from Invercargill or catch the ferry from Bluff. You’ll arrive on or before the 28th of February 2024 and we’ll transport you from the nearby wharf in Oban, to the waiting yacht anchored in the harbour nearby. When you arrive we’ll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner on our first night at anchor.
We’ll assess the weather forecast as a crew and work out whether we head north or south first, to maximise the favourable weather window for the 10 – 12 hour sail down the rugged west coast. With only 25 kilometres of road, the islands hard to reach bays, wildlife and historic spots are best reached by yacht. We’ll visit predator free Ulva Island, home to the Kiwi, Robin, Weka, Wood Pigeon, Parakeet, Fantail, Bellbird and Tui. We’ll explore by day and anchor by night in an new location. With hiking trails, historic places, wildlife and sea life, we are spoilt for choice.
Your crew package includes; all meals onboard, crew meals and any stopover ports, accommodation onboard, your Ocean Sailing Expeditions crew shirt, the use of a PFD (personal floatation device), PLB (personal locator beacon), and a safety tether. Your bedding, a pillow and towel are also included along with suncream.
Your crew package excludes; accommodation ashore, flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports, alcohol, toiletries, clothing and wet weather gear. You will need to complete either a 5-hour online or 2-day classroom-based Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent prior to departure.
Its always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility incase of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules. Accommodation options if you want to stay ashore either side of trip: AirBNB, Booking.com, Wotif & HomeAway.
An island of undisturbed nature; a world hidden under the wings of rare birds; a sea brimming with astounding depth, geology, and marine life; all these and more await you in this sublime Southern tip of New Zealand. Covering 1,700 square kilometres, the majority of Stewart Island is designated a national park named Rakiura – translating into “the land of glowing skies.”
Our journey will take us to renowned historic sites like Port Pegasus/Pikihatiti, a sanctuary of tranquility once bustling with tin mining and shipbuilding activities. Whispering tales of the past, this scenic rapture will leave you mesmerised, etching memories that endure the test of time.
Few things compare to the pure joy and excitement of watching sea life up close. Our sailing adventure promises immersive marine encounters, including dolphins riding the bow wave, the majestic viewing of fur seals at play, and if luck is on our side, we might very well spot a few rare sea lions. The aqua life under the mesmerising southern waters will captivate your heart with its dazzling array of vibrant species.
No journey to Stewart Island is complete without indulging in the harmonious locals’ chorus – an exquisite array of birdlife! Be ready to meet the cheeky Kākā (a native parrot), soaring albatross, rarest penguins on earth, and the real star of the show; the emblematic Kiwi. This expedition offers a chance to catch the nocturnal Southern Brown Kiwi in its natural habitat, a sight that is sure to thrill every birdwatcher’s heart.
A sailing exploration around Stewart Island isn’t just a voyage to pristine shores and rich wildlife; it’s a journey back in time, a trip into tranquility, and a refreshing dance with nature itself. As the sunsets paint the horizon with hues of fire in this untouched corner of the world, you will realise that you’re part of something much larger than yourself.
Begin an adventure that would have you traverse the untamed waves, breathe in the heady aroma of seawater mixed with wildflowers, and witness the choir of the indigenous wildlife orchestrating an unforgettable symphony. Join the crew and betoken a saga that perfectly blends excitement, tranquillity, and a deep-rooted appreciation for the wonders of the Earth.
Stewart Island
Stewart Island
You fly to Stewart Island from Invercargill or catch the ferry from Bluff. You’ll arrive on or before the 28th of February 2024 and we’ll transport you from the nearby wharf in Oban, to the waiting yacht anchored in the harbour nearby. When you arrive we’ll familiarise you with the yacht, systems and safety equipment and you will join us for a crew welcome dinner on our first night at anchor.
We’ll assess the weather forecast as a crew and work out whether we head north or south first, to maximise the favourable weather window for the 10 – 12 hour sail down the rugged west coast. With only 25 kilometres of road, the islands hard to reach bays, wildlife and historic spots are best reached by yacht. We’ll visit predator free Ulva Island, home to the Kiwi, Robin, Weka, Wood Pigeon, Parakeet, Fantail, Bellbird and Tui. We’ll explore by day and anchor by night in an new location. With hiking trails, historic places, wildlife and sea life, we are spoilt for choice.
