About Elwing

Elwing is really a small ship – 14 metres long (46 feet) on deck.

Stewart Island Adventure Anchorage for Elwing

She sails (cutter rigged), has an auxiliary engine, and is a very capable vessel.  Aboard are a range of ‘toys’ (activity items) including kayaks, rubber dinghies and outboards, depending on your requirements.

Elwing Has a Spacious Foredeck

Elwing is  licensed to take up to 12 passengers on overnight adventures and 22 passengers for day excursions although we find that 8 adults on a voyage is a comfortable number.

Arthur, The Skipper Gets the Foredeck Ready for the Next Trip
Kayaks loaded ready for the next adventure at Stewart Island
The Foredeck now loaded with Situpon Kayaks

She is named after Princess Elwing in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.  In short Elwing means “Star Spray” of a waterfall glistening in the moonlight. So… a very fitting name for a beautiful ship! And in the context of Elwing Discoveries so “at home” with her voyages in southern New Zealand.

Charter and Adventure Expeditions

For the most up-to-date information please follow us on FaceBook. And/or please see below for ideas:

Multi-night Trips / Overnight tours / Expeditions / Explorations and Adventures on board Elwing at Stewart Island

Paterson Inlet, Port Adventure, Lord’s River, Port Pegasus. . ..  are all options!

Hilltop Views of Paterson Inlet

Hill top view of Paterson Inlet Stewart Island

Many voyages have a ‘ramble / trek / tramp’ focus with them and can be based here.

Paterson Inlet can be explored without having to be away tramping for days on end!  Walk the walk and then sit around in the comfort of Elwing’s saloon for the evening. Enjoy anchoring in a different bay every night and sailing to a new destination the next day for another walk / trek in the wilderness. 

Millers Beach. Paterson Inlet.

Site of an old ship yard facility that serviced whaling chasers.

Visit Ulva Island and take the wilderness walks through the scenic/wildlife reserve . . . as DOC concessionaires at Stewart Island Elwing Discoveries can take you places most people can’t go! Come as an individual or organise a group of friends to join us. Six of you will be comfortable aboard Elwing.

Weka family feeding

Experience the Rakiura Track with Elwing Discoveries! Live aboard and then explore the track during the day. A group of only 6 is needed for this voyage – make enquiries, come as an individual or bring your group of 6 aboard Elwing.


Other Expeditions

How about sailing to the wild southern places of NZ that others can’t get to, then exploring and perhaps climbing seldom-climbed mountains?

Then come back to the warm conviviality of the ship in the evenings to eat, drink and relive the day’s experiences? . . Sound like your kind of trip?

Then we can help make your adventure come true! 

Or… do you have an ‘adventure dream’?

You supply the dream — we’ll supply the boat and know how.

Do you have KAYAKS wanting an expedition?  Your skipper is an adventurer himself and is right on your wavelength. He knows and can safely take you to wild places—to southern-most Stewart Island and beyond!

Just contact us and put your idea to us!

About the Skipper and Family

Enroute to Port Pegasus, Stewart Island

Edward White (Eddy)

Eddy took over the operation of Elwing Discoveries from his father Arthur in mid 2022.

Eddy’s background in the outdoors and boating started at a very young age. As a toddler on family trips and adventures! This usually featured boating and watermanship training. And it all started with generally mucking about in boats. This is still one of his favourite past-times. Giving him the opportunity to pass on this same knowledge and experience. His partner Carly and children Charlie, Charlotte and Harry being the fortunate recipients.

As the years have gone by Eddy’s skills as a seaman and skipper have developed. This enabled him to gain his qualifications as a Commercial Launch Master by the age of 18. All while having access to Arthur‘s knowledge and experience. Especially of the safe havens of the wild southern coast. Often by osmosis, and always with Arthur’s consistent encouragement and love.

Eddy has grown up with adventure on the water for the last 40 years! Especially around the Coastal Otago and Stewart Island. In these southern regions aboard Elwing he can facilitate your adventure. The experience of a lifetime, utilising his wide knowledge and experience!

  • New Zealand Commercial Launch Master
  • Padi Open Water Dive Instructor (membership lapsed)
  • Padi Dive Master (membership lapsed).
  • Current first aid certificate
  • Experienced Sea Kayak guide.
  • Owner operator of numerous pleasure craft for the last 30+ years, and all the commercial experience.

Elwing Discoveries Founders

Arthur and wife Barbara started Elwing discoveries in 1996. After purchasing Elwing off the original owner builder, Warwick Trig.

For the years following Arthur also operated the charter operation. With a large focus on youth experience in education trips. As well as adult and family adventure expeditions. Especially around Stewart Island.

Arthur‘s vision and passion was second to none. His focus was total! And aligned with educating and facilitating adventures for youth and adults alike.

With a modest, ideally suited vessel for the region, he and Barbara hosted diverse groups. An array consisting of youth, family, and adults. For their experience trip of a lifetime.