Stewart Island Aurora Hunting Tour - Travel Advocates
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Stewart Island Aurora Hunting Tour
Your Itinerary
Stewart Island/Rakiura is the southern-most Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world and offers one of the
darkest locations to view the night sky and a fascinating place to spot the Southern Lights.
We are offering you the opportunity to explore the night skies, searching for Aurora Au stralis and
other secrets of the universe. At the same time spend your days exploring the best Stewart Island
has to offer from Kiwi spotting to cruising the Paterson inlet, with some free time to explore at
leisure.
This is a small group tour perfect for those who wanting with witness the world’s most magical
phenomena.
Please note that as we are in nature’s hands, we cannot guarantee seeing the Aurora, however
these tours are timed close to the new moon when skies are dark, and over the months where
Aurora activity is most likely.
The itinerary is flexible, the order of tours may change depending on the weather, and also be
prepared to wake at any hour of the night, eg 2am, if the Aurora is active! We have included a
good range of activities to ensure a memorable time on the island regardless .
Day 1 Invercargill to Stewart Island
Your journey starts in Invercargill with a
9:30am flight to Stewart Island. The 20-
minute flight takes you past Oreti Beach,
where world record holder Burt Munro
tested his Indian motorcycle, past Bluff, and
across Foveaux Strait where the world
famous Bluff oysters are harvested.
On arrival to the island take an orientation
tour of Oban - New Zealand’s southernmost
town, and surrounding bays. Your guide will share their local knowledge of the history and
environment of Stewart Island. Stewart Islanders are proud of their island, enjoying its simpler,
slower pace. Highlights include Lee Bay, the gateway to Rakiura Nation al Park and stunning views
of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock during this 1-and-a-half-hour tour.
This afternoon check in to the centrally located Bay Motel. Comfortable, modern units offer
amazing views over Halfmoon Bay or the surrounding native bush.
This evening a welcome dinner is provided at the South Seas Hotel, just a short walk from your
accommodation and across from the beach.
2
Following dinner join your evening kiwi spotting tour. This tour offers you a special opportunity to
experience kiwi in their natural environment. We have exclusive access to private land where New
Zealand’s precious kiwi come out at night to feed. If there is Aurora Activity tonight you may have
your first chance to see it while on the kiwi spotting tour.
Overnight at Bay Motel, breakfast included.
Day 2 Ulva Island Tour
T his morning take a short walk to Golden
Bay Wharf and set off for an Ulva Island
guided walk. Ulva Island (Te Wharawhara), is
renowned for its diverse and abundant
birdlife with a forest dominated by Rimu,
Southern Rata and Kamahi, surrounded by
marine reserve. It was visited by Ngai Tahu
Maori as part of their food gathering trips
and in the 1890s it became one of New
Zealand’s first reserves. This 267 hectare
island is now predator free, allowing the bird and plantlife to thrive. Today you will be guided by a
Stewart Island local, who has the knowledge and know how to take you through Ulva Island, with
abundant and colourful birdlife and the impressive forest. You will be transferred to Ulva Island by
water taxi before having an informative and interesting walk on this unique island. Returning to
Golden Bay Wharf after the tour.
Dinner this evening is included at the South Seas Hotel.
Following dinner transfer to the home of Sandra Whipp, local Stewart Island photographer. Her
home is ideally situated to take advantage of the Aurora and the Stewart Island/Rakiura Dark Sky
Sanctuary. Sandra will talk to you about her photogra phy and give you tips on witnessing and
photographing Aurora.
Overnight at Bay Motel, breakfast included.
3
Day 3 Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island
Today a cruise in Paterson Inlet is included.
Visit the Southern Bays of the inlet with
wildlife spotting opportunities including the
Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand Sea Lions
and Yellow Eyed Penguins. There may also
be a chance to see the striking Mollymawk
Albatross. The tour will also visit an historic
whaling base used by a Norwegian Whaling
company in the 1920’s.
This evening you will receive a BBQ pack to cook your own dinner as a group a t the Bay Motel.
Overnight at Bay Motel, breakfast included.
Day 4 Stewart Island
A full day to explore the Island. You may like
to book the optional guided walk (additional
charge) to Port William and Maori Beach,
one of the most popular coastal and native
bush walks on the island. Take a water taxi
to Port William, site of an early Maori
Settlement, before continuing on to Maori
Beach. This was also where early Maori
settled and later became a saw milling
community in the early 1900s. We then
make our way to Lee Bay via Little River, a stunning tidal river mouth, overhanging with Rata trees.
Along the coast lookout for a plethora of birdlife, such as, Mutton birds (Sooty Shearwaters),
Shags, Buller’s Mollymawks, Cape Pigeons, and little Blue Penguins. In the native bush you may see
and hear Bellbirds, Tui, Fantails, Parakeets, Shining Cuckoos, Grey Warblers, Kaka and Tomtits and
more. Cost: NZD 260 per person.
Dinner – own arrangements
If the weather is suitable for Aurora then again visit Sandra Whipp at a time to maximise the
Aurora viewing. Sandra will monitor the Aurora throughout your stay on the Island providing
updates on best viewing times.
Overnight at Bay Motel, breakfast included.
4
Day 5 Stewart Island – At leisure
Another day at leisure to enjoy the island.
Tonight we enjoy your final meal at the South
Seas Hotel and if the weather was unsuitable
for Aurora last night then tonight visit Sandra
Whipp at a time to maximise the Aurora
viewing.
Overnight at Bay Motel, breakfast included.
Day 6 Stewart Island to Invercargill
After checking out of the Bay Motel this morning transfer to the Stewart Island Flights office for
your return flight to Invercargill.
5
Accommodation
Bay Motel
With panoramic views of the Tasman Sea, The Bay Motel overlooks Halfmoon Bay on Stewart
Island. It features a nearby golf course, a free shuttle service and free private parking on site.
All modern apartments include a seating area with satellite TV and a kitchen with fridge,
microwave, tea/coffee making facilities. Rooms open out on a private balcony, with views of the
bay or surrounding bush. The spacious rooms also offer free WiFi, electric blankets and individually
controlled central heating.
Laundry service is available upon request. There is also a barbecue area in an undercover
courtyard.
The Bay Motel is a 5-minutes’ walk from shops and restaurants; its location allows many hiking and
trekking possibilities in the native forests of Rakiura National Park.
6
Price and Booking
Price per person NZD $ 2,995
GST is included
Price includes:
• 5 nights Bay Motel, twin room with ensuite.
• Breakfast daily (a basic continental offering in room)
• 3 dinners at the South Seas Hotel
• BBQ dinner pack ( meat/salads/veges/bread for you to cook their own dinner)
• Tour escort with minimum of 8 people booked.
• Return flight from Invercargill to Oban, 15kg check in luggage allowance
• Village and Bays sightseeing tour
• Ulva Island guided walk
• Kiwi Spotting tour at night
• Paterson Inlet cruise
If you would like to book please email the below details to us.
Title: Mr/Mrs/Ms/Dr
FIRST NAME
SURNAME
ROOMING: twin beds/ double bed
CONTACT EMAIL
MOBILE PHONE
MEAL REQUIREMENTS
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
ANY SPECIAL MEDICIAL/MOBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Place of residence
I have read and accept the terms and conditions:
7Terms and Conditions
Please carefully read these booking conditions. By making a booking you acknowledge that you have read,
understand and you agree to be bound by these conditions which form an agreement between Viva
Expeditions Ltd (NZBN 9429030377127) and yourself. If you make a booking on behalf of other
participants, you guarantee that you have the authority to accept and do accept these Terms on behalf of
the other participants in your party.
Fares:
All fares and charges are per person in New Zealand dollars, including GST
Deposits and final payments:
A 25% non- refundable deposit is due at the time of booking.
Final balance is due no later than 45 days prior to the tour
Credit card administration fee
The client acknowledges that payment by the client by credit card will attract an administration fee and
which the client agrees to pay to the company. Currently, the administration fee is 2% for any amount
debited by Visa or Mastercard. American Express cards are not accepted. The administration fee will be
debited to the client’s credit card at the time of payment.
Minimum numbers
Vivas Aurora hunters tour requires a minimum of 8 people to operate. If our tour is cancelled due to
insufficient numbers, then passengers will be refunded in full.
Cancellation fees
Should your 2021 season tour not be able to depart due to government travel restrictions, you can choose
from either of the following:
1. Transfer to an alternative departure date, if available, at no extra cost.
2. Receive a full refund, excluding $100 per person administration fee.
3. A 100% travel credit to use when booking another Viva New Zealand tour.
If you cancel, the following fees will apply;
1. Between confirmation and final payment: loss of deposit.
2. Between 45 days and departure date – no refund
Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Disclaimer of liability
The company will use its best endeavours to ensure that its obligations pursuant to the
contract with the client are satisfied. However, despite those best endeavours, it is not
always possible for those obligations to be satisfied. Unless otherwise excluded or modified by law, the
8company hereby disclaims liability for any loss of or damage to the client, including loss of life or injury,
and loss of or damage to any of the client’s property; also delay; inconvenience; upset; disappointment;
stress; frustration; or loss of employment or loss of holiday time; however such loss or damage may be
caused. Unless such disclaimer shall be excluded or modified by law, the client warrants that he or she will
not make or pursue any claim against the company in respect of any such loss or damage, however caused.
The client acknowledges that the provisions of above are reasonable and necessary for the business of the
company having regard to a range of matters including but not limited to the following:
1. The tours or parts of them are supplied or undertaken by third party operators. Whilst the company
has undertaken due diligence on the quality of the services offered by such third party operators,
and has been satisfied as to the adequacy of that quality, it cannot be responsible for any acts or
omissions on their parts.
2. The client acknowledges that it is the client’s responsibility to check-in on time for his or her flight
at any airport. The company will not be responsible for any flights that are not taken by the client
due to the client’s late arrival at any airport.
The passenger will not be entitled to any refund if the passenger fails to follow the instruction of Viva
Expeditions Ltd. or its representatives.
We reserve the right to alter or cancel any services you have purchased and inclusions may vary depending
on weather, or other uncertainties, and are subject to change.
The photographs appearing in the promotion of this tour are representational only and are not a guarantee
that everything will be exactly as depicted at the location upon arrival. It is important to note that
photography and video content used is typically modern digital equipment and differs from what is seen
with the naked eye.
Whilst every endeavour will be made to adhere to the proposed itinerary, weather conditions may
determine the actual itinerary, according to the absolute discretion of the tour leader. No guarantee can
be given of clear viewing conditions, nor that the aurora australis will be present and no refund or part
refund will be made if the aurora australis is not seen.
9You can also read
