Mason Bay is remote and beautiful, on the far western side of Rakiura Stewart Island from Oban. It is unique in having the largest population of kiwi birds in NZ. They can even be seen foraging during the day.
The bay is connected to Oban by the North West Circuit Track, but it’s 36 km and an eight to nine-hour walk one way. A much easier option is to fly into Mason Bay (landing on the sand at low tide) on Stewart Island Flights. Then spend your time around the 19 km long crescent-shaped white-sand bay and dunes, looking for kiwi signs.
You can also camp there or book the DOC hut and walk to the Freshwater River and hut to get a water taxi back to Oban.
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