Stewart Island / Rakiura

"At the far south end of the country, Stewart Island is a rugged and isolated addendum to New Zealand's two main islands, and it's a superb place to get a glimpse of the country's national bird, the kiwi, in the wild. Sunset trips with Bravo Adventure Cruises depart from Oban's rustic, fishing-boat-filled harbor, beginning with a 30-minute ocean journey and then continuing with a 45-minute stroll through native forest to a secluded beach. By now, it is dark, and southern brown kiwis can be seen scratching around for food in the kelp that washes up on the beach. Kiwis don't have great eyesight, and they often seem quite oblivious to the interested humans sharing the stretch of sand with them."