Stewart Island Water Taxi & Eco Guiding

Treat yourself! Explore our unspoilt haven rich in natural and cultural history.

If you are looking for adventure, need transport to a hunting block or want to watch birds, Ian and Philippa can help you explore beautiful Stewart Island. They can provide guided nature tours and water taxi packages.



Discover the untouched beauty of Stewart Island, far from the rat race.

Discover and explore our beautiful island’s natural history with Stewart Island’s original water taxi, operating for over twenty years.

Owned and operated by a sixth generation Islander, Stewart Island Water Taxi and Eco Guiding provides knowledgeable and safe transport for trampers, hunters, bird watchers and explorers.

Guided walks are available for those who want to discover more about Stewart Island’s rich natural and cultural history.

Here are some of our most popular activities…

Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary…a ten minute boat ride from Golden Bay, wander in native forest amongst the extensive bird life including tūī, weka, saddleback, robin, yellow head, riflemen and kākā, for a guided half day, full day or freedom walk.

Freshwater River…a forty minute boat ride from Golden Bay to Freshwater Landing and the Freshwater Hut, walk through wetlands on your way to exploring the sand dunes of vast Mason Bay and sneak a peak of kiwi in their natural habitat.

Coast to Coast…a scenic flight into Mason Bay landing on the beach, a four hour walk back through the wetlands where we will pick you up at Freshwater Landing and deliver you back to Golden Bay to complete your day’s activities.

Port William…a twenty-five minute boat ride from Halfmoon Bay Wharf to the first trampers hut in the Rakiura Great Walk or North West Circuit, or make a day of it and explore Māori Beach on your return walk via Lee Bay (the entrance to Rakiura National Park) and back to Halfmoon Bay.

Christmas Village…maximise your time by kick starting your North West Circuit tramp here, or take a day trip up Mt Anglem, the highest point on the island. Forty-five minute trip.
Stewart Island Water Taxi & Eco Guiding offers:
· Daily departures to Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary and Freshwater River
· Hunting and tramping destinations
· Kayak retrieval
· Guided or self-guided nature tours
· Scenic & historic tour in Paterson Inlet
· Charters available



Have a special request or destination? Just ask!