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Beaks & Feathers Design
Beaks & Feathers Design

Price:

Adults: $1,050 pp (includes flight and water taxi)
Not suitable for young children.

Duration:

4 – 5 hours

Departs:

Dependent on tides and weather

Operates:

October – May (except Christmas Day)

Group Size:

2 person minimum, 6 person maximum (per trip).

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Masons Bay to Freshwater Landing - Day Trip

Enjoy a 7 minute scenic flight from Oban to Masons Bay. Offering stunning aerial views of Paterson inlet, Freshwater river, the Masons Bay dune system and the islands wild coast line.

Experience a one of a kind beach landing on Masons Bay. A 14km long white sand beach, known for its’ vast dune system and remote beauty.

Walk the 15.5kms to Freshwater Landing taking time to look at old farming relics, flora and fauna along the way.

Then water taxi through the stunning winding Freshwater River known for its unique brown, tannic water and spectacular views, through Paterson inlet ending your journey at Golden Bay Wharf.

Note: This walk is a day trip which depends on tide times and weather. The plane lands at low tide and the water taxi can only get up fresh water river at high tide.

We meet at the Beaks & Feathers’ office. Then from there we head to the airport terminal to be taken on our scenic flight to the west coast of Stewart Island. Our pilot will land us on the 14km long beach of Masons Bay.

We embark from the beach to traverse through the middle section of Stewart Island to Freshwater landing and Paterson Inlet on the east coast.

This 4 – 5 hour back country walk between Masons Bay and the Freshwater landing is 15.5kms of mostly flat, often very muddy tracks through tussock, wetland and manuka, including a stretch of boardwalk just over 1km long over the infamous chocolate swamp.

Due to high tide times, we have a set amount of time to trek across the island to meet the water taxi at the Freshwater Landing. From there we get to enjoy 45 minutes winding through the stunning Freshwater river.

We arrive at Golden Bay Wharf, where we will give you a lift back.

  • Scenic Flight
  • Water taxi fare
  • Snacks (bring your own water)
  • Explorers
  • Nature lovers
  • Walkers / Trampers
  • Up for a stunning day trip
  • Thrill seekers (aerial beach landing and taxi through the winding Freshwater river)
  • Average level of fitness required
  • Walkers should be prepared for changeable weather and potentially boggy conditions
  • Waterproof and warm clothing must be carried
  • Adequate footwear must be worn
  • Not suitable for young children
  • New Zealand Southern Dotteral – Pukunui
  • Tui
  • Bellbird – Korimako
  • Stewart Island Robin – Kakariwai
  • Fernbird – Mātātā
  • South Island Tomtit – Ngirungiru
  • Fantail – Piwakawaka
  • Grey Warbler – Riroriro
  • Red-crowned Parakeet – Kakariki
  • Wood Pigeon – Kereru
  • Kingfisher – Kōtare
  • Brown Creeper – Pipipi
  • Australasian Harrier

If you are extremely lucky you may see a Kiwi – Tokoeka.

  • Manuka
  • Mosses and lichen
  • Tussock
  • Flax
  • Orchids

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One of the most popular coastal and native bush half day hikes on Stewart Island. Where you will water taxi to Port William before disembarking and hiking to Maori beach. Explore Lee Bay via Little River, a stunning tidal river mouth, overhanging with Rata trees.

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Interest in an EXCLUSIVE tour?

Enjoy an exclusive tour where it is just the two of you or maybe an adventure with only your friends and family. Whether your want to explore Ulva Island, Ulva by Land & Sea, Port William/Maori Beach, go Kiwi Spotting or one of the many other great walks around Stewart Island, you will be looked after by our knowledgeable and experienced local guides.

Call us on 027 316 3077 or email us now.

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