Although closely related to the Haast Tokoeka, the Stewart Island Tokoeka is far less rare.  It is considered to be “range resticted”.  Because Stewart Island has no kiwi-killing stoats, weasels or ferrets, the population is thought to be stable at around 20,000 birds.

Stewart Island Tokoeka live mainly in the southern two-thirds of the island – researchers think the different geology to the north is not to the birds’ liking.

Kiwi habitat on Stewart Island varies.  Some live in sand dunes along the coast, while others prefer the tussock grass high on the Tin Range.  Kiwi are also found in areas of scrub and bush and often live in family groups.
 
Territory Size
The kiwi’s territory size varies enormously depending on the habitat. In the sand dunes family groups can command 50-hectares, while in the tussock grassland of Mason Bay just 5-hectares can suffice. The size seems to depend on food supply, with larger territories required where food is more difficult to find.

It is vital for the survival of the Stewart Island Tokoeka that the island remains free of stoats, ferrets and weasels.