Book Stewart Island Tours

Cross Foveaux Strait in a fast ferry—coastal views, expert commentary & a hot drink onboard.

• Starting point: Begin your journey from Stewart Island Experience Visitor Terminal at 21 Foreshore Road, Bluff, for a scenic one-hour ferry ride across Foveaux Strait.
• Everything you get: Enjoy a fast and comfortable ferry transfer between Bluff and Stewart Island aboard an express catamaran. Spot local wildlife, including albatross, as you cross Foveaux Strait. Listen to live commentary highlighting notable landmarks such as Dog Island Lighthouse & Ruapuke Island.
• Sights covered: Sail past landmarks like Dog Island Lighthouse, home to New Zealand’s tallest lighthouse, the Titi Islands (famous for muttonbirding), and the rugged peak of Mount Anglem—Stewart Island’s highest point.
• Why choose this: Experience a smooth, year-round ferry service connecting Bluff and Stewart Island. Unlike a flight, this journey comes with breathtaking ocean views, unique wildlife sightings, and insights into the region’s history—all while traveling comfortably.
• Upgrade: Opt for a one-way ferry experience from Stewart Island to Bluff to enjoy the scenic beauty of Foveaux Strait twice. Spot more wildlife, take in the coastal landscapes from different perspectives, and ensure a seamless return journey.

Inclusions

• One-way ferry transfer to Stewart Island or Bluff (as per option selected)
• Live commentary
• Complimentary coffee or tea

• Tip: Take a short boat ride from Stewart Island to Ulva Island where you can spot native birds such as kākā, saddlebacks, and yellowheads thrive.
• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• The one-way ferry lasts 1 hour.
• The one-way ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island departs at 9:45am, 1:45pm, 4:30pm, & 5:15pm, whereas the one-way ferry from Stewart Island to Bluff departs at 8am, 12:15pm, 3pm, & 3:30pm.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

See Stewart Island like a local—hidden bays, native wildlife & Māori legends.

• Everything you get: Enjoy a guided tour of Stewart Island in a comfortable minibus, led by a passionate local guide eager to share their knowledge of the island’s history. Explore Oban township, stop for photos at scenic bays, and take short walks that take in the beauty of Rakiura National Park.
• Why choose this: Escape city life and experience the untouched beauty of Stewart Island. Unlike standard sightseeing tours, this journey offers an insider’s perspective into Māori legends and local history.

Inclusions

• 90-minute guided tour of Stewart Island
• Expert local guide
• Access to Lee Bay & Observation Rock
• Minibus

• Tip: Keep an eye out for The Harold Holt Memorial Plaque, a tribute to the former Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt from 1966 to 1967.
• This experience is wheelchair accessible.
• Your service animals are welcome on this experience.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Cruise Paterson Inlet, spot rare birds on Ulva Island, and enjoy a guided nature walk.

• Everything you get: Sail through Paterson Inlet’s hidden coves and beaches on a scenic catamaran cruise. Watch for fur seals and little blue penguins before stepping onto predator-free Ulva Island. Walk through lush rainforest with your guide, spotting weka, saddlebacks, yellowheads, and the rare Stewart Island robin.
• Why choose this: This tour blends a scenic cruise with a guided island walk, where you’ll spot rare birds and marine wildlife.

Inclusions

• 90-minute small-group guided walk on Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary
• Paterson Inlet catamaran cruise
• Live commentary on board
• Expert local guide

Exclusions

• Hotel transfers

• Tip: Keep your eyes open for the Stewart Island brown kiwi (tokoeka) during the day. This is one of the only places in the world where these nocturnal birds roam in daylight.
• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• Your guide dogs and service animals are welcome at the venue.
• You can pre-order a picnic lunch box (at an additional cost) by contacting the tour operator directly. Place your order by 12pm the day before travel using the phone number on your voucher. If you have dietary requirements (vegetarian, dairy-free, gluten-free, or vegan), let them know in advance, and they’ll accommodate your request.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Escape to Oneke—coastal walks, remote landscapes, fascinating stories & wildlife encounters.

• Everything you get: Take a sea cruise to Oneke, a remote and historically rich part of Rakiura Stewart Island. With exclusive access, explore stunning coastal and forest trails on a guided half-day walk. Learn about local conservation efforts, spot native wildlife, and hear fascinating Māori and European stories from your expert guide.
• Why choose this: Explore a remote part of Stewart Island that few get to see. With exclusive access, expert guidance, and stunning coastal scenery, this experience blends history, nature, and wildlife in a truly unforgettable way.

Inclusions

• Scenic cruise to Oneke
• Expert nature guide
• Access to Oneke
• Guided coastal & forest walk
• Wildlife spotting

• Tip: Keep an eye out for mutton birds, albatross, and yellow-eyed penguins when exploring Stewart Island.
• A reasonable level of fitness is required as the walking track can be uneven and muddy.
• Please note that the cruise departs from the Ferry Terminal in Oban.

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.