Discover Mason Bay's Kiwi Haven
Mason Bay, located on the far western side of Rakiura Stewart Island, is renowned for its significant kiwi bird population, the largest in New Zealand. This remote and stunning bay provides a rare opportunity to observe these iconic birds foraging during daylight hours. This is the only place in the country where the birds are active during the day.
What to Expect at Mason Bay
The bay is extensive, a white sand crescent that runs for 19 km between Mason Head to the north and the Ernest Islands to the south. The northern part of the beach is backed by dunes, up to 150 metres high and 3 km deep near Duck Creek. Some of the dunes are exposed, while others are covered in extensive dune grass and coastal shrubbery. As you head south down the beach beyond Martins Creek, the forested hills encroach close to the tide line.
There is also a DOC hut for overnight stays, which is recommended even if you fly in. This is located more than a kilometre back from the beach, beside Duck Creek, in a grassy reserve. There are several other buildings to the east near the creek, including a historic homestead and woodshed (the most southerly in New Zealand).
Once in the bay, you can explore freely, keeping an eye out for signs of kiwi activity.
Getting to Mason Bay
The bay can be accessed in several ways. The easiest way is to fly directly to Mason Bay with Stewart Island Flights, which lands on the sand at low tide. To return to Oban, follow the leg of the North West Circuit Track that goes northeast to the Freshwater River and hut, a flat 15.5 km, 4-hour walk. From there, you can pre-book a water taxi to take you down the river to Paterson Inlet and back to Oban.
The bay is also a stop on the North West Circuit Track, and is accessible from the south or north. Be mindful that completing the circuit is an arduous 8- to 11-day tramp. You could also take the water taxi to Freshwater River in both directions, or walk the track from Oban to Mason Bay and back, a still challenging 36 km trek from Oban that takes eight to nine hours one way.
For more relaxed options based in Oban, check out the local walks and visit Ulva Island.
