Mutton Birding

 
Mutton bird hunting

Muttonbirding on Muttonbird Island in the south is a huge part of Rakiura Maori culture. Not only is it a means in which to harvest delectable mutton birds for consumption, but it’s also a great opportunity for whanau to gather together.

However, because of the location of the Muttonbird Islands, getting there can be difficult.
There are three parts to the Island, all of them equally as difficult to access as each other. The north-east chain lies in Foveaux Strait, north-east of Stewart Island. The eastern chain, known as Breaksea Islands, is south of East Cape, whilst the southern chain is south-west of Stewart Island.

With such a large body of water between land and sea, it’s little wonder Rakiura Maori and their beneficiaries find it difficult to transport all their gear to the Islands for a lucrative muttonbirding season.

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What can Southern Charters do to help?

Seeing a need for a cost-effective method of reaching the Muttonbird Islands, Southern Charters looked to provide a solution. We can transport up to eight people, carrying 100 kilograms of gear each, to one of the three islands of your choosing. We can drop you off and then pick you up again at a prearranged time and day. This greatly reduces the costs involved with your trip. You don’t have to worry about purchasing your own boat, undertaking boat maintenance, or even organising a crew. We can simply pick you up from Bluff and deliver you direct to your muttonbirding location. It’s as easy as that!

Terms and conditions of entry

Although we’re sure so many people would love to experience Muttonbird Islands for themselves, unfortunately we can only take those who are permitted to access the area.

You must be a Rakiura Maori with a permit to access a particular island. We must sight this permit.  If you’re not a Rakiura Maori, you must have a permit obtained from a family member who has permission to enter the Islands. Once again, we must sight this permit. This authorisation must have also been issued with the traditional customs and practices associated with the island.