Albatross Spotting on Rakiura
Rakiura Stewart Island, located off the southern coast of New Zealand, is a haven for bird enthusiasts, particularly those interested in observing albatrosses and other seabirds. A fishing boat trip from Oban is a unique opportunity to see these magnificent birds up close.
Up-Close with Albatrosses
Line fishing for black cod is the purpose of the trip, but, for us, the highlight of the trip was seeing albatrosses up close. As the fish you catch are processed, various seabirds gather around the boat for a free feed on the waste. Then the albatrosses turn up to take over the feeding. Witnessing the sheer size and grace of these enormous birds, with wingspans of up to 3.5 metres, is truly an astonishing experience. It is a much better option than spotting albatross at Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula.
You may also spot penguins diving for fish on the trip.
Organising Your Boat Trip
You can arrange a boat trip either in Oban or before you arrive on the island, and the excursions typically last several hours. The catch is filleted and shared among the tourists on board, adding a hands-on experience to the adventure. It’s best if you enjoy blue cod, because there will be plenty of it!
Getting to Rakiura Stewart Island
To reach Rakiura Stewart Island, you can take a ferry from Bluff or a flight from Invercargill airport. Once on the island, Oban serves as the main hub for organising boat trips.
Other activities around Rakiura include a visit to Ulva Island, short walks around Oban, and a flight to Mason Bay, returning via a hiking trail and a water taxi.
