Guided Boat Tour of Historic Whalers Base

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Rakiura Charters and Water Taxi – Whalers Base History Tour | Everything New Zealand -1
Rakiura Charters and Water Taxi – Whalers Base History Tour | Everything New Zealand -2
Rakiura Charters and Water Taxi – Whalers Base History Tour | Everything New Zealand -3
Rakiura Charters and Water Taxi – Whalers Base History Tour | Everything New Zealand -4

Highlights & inclusions

1 hour tour in Paterson Inlet on Stewart Island
On-board knowledgeable and informative guides
Discover a fascinating part of Stewart Island's history
Optional walk to the stunning Millar’s Beach
Stunning landscape views
Views from the ocean
From
$80.00NZD
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April 2026

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What you can expect

Did you know, the Ross Sea Whaling Company of Norway used Paterson Inlet in Stewart Island as their base for whaling expeditions into the Antarctic seas?

This guided tour will explore the relics they left behind while your experienced guides will bring this history to life with tales from this fascinating era of New Zealand’s past.

The Whalers on Stewart Island left behind numerous clues to their daily lives and all of these can be viewed from the comfort of the Rakiura Charters boat. Onboard heating, comfortable seating and plenty of space to capture the perfect photo - viewing from the ocean is a great way to see this region of Stewart Island.

The historic boat tour is approximately 1 hour, departs from Golden Bay Wharf and is suitable for groups of up to 12 people.

At the request of the group, there is an optional walk to Millar’s Beach for those who would like to stretch their legs and get a little more intimate with Rakiura, Stewart Island.

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Location

10 Main Road, Oban, Southland 9818

What you need to know

Inclusions
  • 1 hour boat tour departing from Golden Bay Wharf
  • Specialist on-board guide 
  • Views of historic Whalers Base in Paterson Inlet
Duration
  • Allow at least 1 hour
Departure Location
  • Regular departures in demand from 8:00am to 4:00pm  
  • Departs from Golden Bay Wharf
  • Flexible and additional departures may be available
  • Operates daily all year
Additional Information
  • Please bring warm, comfortable clothing, closed footwear for optional walk, binoculars (optional) and water bottle
  • Child rates apply (6-13yrs)
  • Infants 5yrs & under travel free of charge
Cancellation Policy
  • All Cancellations should be made in writing via email and should state the reason for the cancellation (any last-minute cancellations should also be made by phone):
  • a) If a cancellation is made 30 days or more prior to travel, a 5% cancellation fee will apply;
  • b) If a cancellation is received 29 days or less prior to travel, 100% of the booking fare is due.

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