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View from Millars Beach

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Start of walk to Whalers' Base

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Propellars and Slipway

Aihe - Norwegian Whalers' Base Cruise & Walk

The historic Norwegian Whalers’ Base was established in the 1920’s, and used for overwintering parties to prepare for expeditions in the summer months to the Ross Sea of Antarctica. Stewart Islanders and Norwegians worked at the base until the early 1930's, at which time, whaling was abandoned. Today, this tranquil place with its relics and foundations of buildings, surrounded by rapidly regenerating forest is an interesting place to visit, especially for the beauty of the location. Situated at Kidney Fern in Prices Inlet, a picturesque part of Paterson Inlet.  The enjoyable, short walk from Millars Beach jetty to the site of the Norwegian Whalers' Base, passes through regenerating forest of native trees, wth ferns and mosses.  The cruise explores other areas including Kaipipi Bay and Faith, Hope & Charity Islands.

Map of Where Cruise Operates

Our cruise operates in the area shown below.  We follow the northern shore of Paterson Inlet from Golden Bay Wharf to Millars Beach and into Kidney Fern, Kaipipi Bay and Faith, Hope & Charity Islands.

 
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Cruise Summary

 
Cruise Summary Aihe - Norwegian Whalers' Base Cruise & Walk
Cruise Cruise to the site of the historic Norwegian Whalers' Base in Kidney Fern, Prices Inlet, enjoying scenery and wildlife along the way. At Millars Beach, take a leisurely wak to the site of the Norwegian Whalers’ Base. Established in the 1920’s, the base was used for overwintering parties to prepare for expeditions in the summer months to the Ross Sea of Antarctica. Stewart Islanders and Norwegians worked at the base, up until the early 1930's. Explore and enjoy picturesque Kidney Fern, Kaipipi Bay and Faith, Hope & Charity Islands.
Wildlife Encounters Some of the wildlife we have seen on our cruise include:
Little blue penguins, occasionally yellow-eyed penguins, white-fronted terns, oystercatchers, Stewart Island shag, spotted shag, pied shag, little black shag. Bottle-nosed dolphins have been seen occasionally.
Forest birds commonly seen include: bellbird, tui, grey warbler, wood pigeon, fantail, tomtit..
Duration 3 hours / 2 hours / 1 hour
Cost 3 hours: Adult $140.00. Child $95.00 - Longer cruise + guided walk
2 hours: Adult $115.00. Child $75.00 - Cruise + guided walk
1 hour:   Adult $75.00.   Child $55.00 - Cruise only
Conservation We donate $1.00 p.p. per tour into our conservation fund.
Minimum 3 hours: 4 persons
2 hours: 3 persons
1 hour:   3 persons (or operates for 2 with $15.00 p.p. surcharge).
Maximum 10 persons (for a better experience, though we can take 12)
Children Suitable for children from 10 years. Younger children are allowed at the discretion of management.
Available All year round, subject to demand.
Times October to March: 9.00 am to 12.00 noon or 1.15 pm to 4.15 pm
  April and September: 9.00 am to 12.00 noon or 1.15 pm to 4.15 pm
  May to August: 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
Departure / Return Point Golden Bay Wharf: 10 - 15 minutes walk from the centre of Oban Village.
Licensed shuttle service available if required $6.00 p.p. one way or $12.00 p.p. return to and from Golden Bay Wharf.
Fitness Ability to get on and off boat. Reasonable fitness for leisurely, optional walk for 30 minutes each way (approx. 2.5 kms return).