“That’s a broad-daylight experience nobody else on the planet gets … doesn’t get any more Rakiura than that,” said one commenter.
Others described the image as “photo of the year” and “the best photo ever”.
Many commenters noted how unusual it was to see a kiwi out and about during the day, given the bird’s largely nocturnal habits.
“Wow, never seen a kiwi out of the zoo,” wrote one.
“I’ve lived in New Zealand 60-somewhat years and even went to Stewart Island and still haven’t seen a damn kiwi,” said another.
Several visitors to Rakiura admitted they were jealous and one described Stewart Island as “still one of New Zealand’s best kept secrets”.
For the three children in the photograph, however, it was apparently just another morning on the school run.
While kiwi may be rare throughout much of New Zealand, they are a common sight on islands without the same predators as the mainland.
Earlier this week, two kiwi were filmed kicking and battering each other in a rare wildlife encounter – something experts said was a sign of conservation success.
The footage, reportedly captured on predator-free Ulva Island, just off Stewart Island/Rakiura, shows two adult kiwi locked in a physical confrontation, striking each other with their powerful legs and claws.
Ulva Island Ferry & Water-Taxi posted the video on social media, saying a guest sent it to them.
Department of Conservation principal ranger for biodiversity Kev Carter, speaking from Stewart Island, agreed, describing the confrontation as “a bit of a turf war” during breeding season.
“They’ll more vigorously defend their territories at that time of year.”
Carter said Ulva Island’s kiwi population was likely close to carrying capacity, meaning the island might already be supporting about as many kiwi as it can.
Carter said kiwi were thriving on the island because it remained pest-free.