 - Thalassarche cauta.jpg)
) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
Description
While you may come to Oban on Rakiura/Stewart Island for a hike, a pelagic tour, or a visit to Ulva Island, the township and Halfmoon Bay also offer great birding opportunities. There are three species of penguins present: Fiordland Penguin breed in caves along the shore from August to December and come back for molt January to march, Yellow-eyed Pigeon are usually seen between August and May, and Little Penguin are present all year round. Scenic cruises through the bay may give you opportunities to see them; the operators will know for that time of the year. Furthemore, several shag species including the Stewart Island Shag, White-fronted Tern, gulls, and even albatross such as White-capped Albatross can be easily seen in the bay. A Sooty Shearwater colony is nearby (see birdingplace Ackers Point).
In the township and the sourring forest you easily find New Zealand Kaka, Red-crowned Parakeet, and lots of New Zealand Pigeon among others. But the highlight is that it is relatively easy to run into Southern Brown Kiwi (Stewart Island) within the township at night and nearly every night some tourists report seeing them. You can ask at the DOC visitor centre where currently the best spot is to look for them.
Details
Access
You can get to Oban by ferry, which gives you a free pelagic tour, from Bluff or by small plane from Invercargill. Oban is easy to explore on foot and there are several operators offering cruises through the bay.