- Address: Stewart Island / Rakiura, Southland, New Zealand| Find on map
- Distance from Bluff: ~30 km by sea
- Travel time from Bluff: ~1 hour by ferry
- Access: Stewart Island Ferry only (no road access)
How to get to Stewart Island
Stewart Island (Rakiura Island) sits about 30 km south of New Zealand’s South Island, across the Foveaux Strait. Most travellers reach it by ferry from Bluff, after travelling to Invercargill by flight, bus, or car. The crossing takes around one hour. Guided tour packages bundle transfers and activities, while ferry-only tickets suit independent travellers. Weather and daylight hours play a key role, especially in winter.
Where is Stewart Island located?
Bluff to Stewart Island: Time & distance
- From Bluff: Approx. 30 km by sea
- By Stewart Island ferry: Approx. 1 hour one way (Bluff → Stewart Island)
- By guided day tour: Approx. 8–10 hours round trip, including ferry crossings and on-island activities
Guided tours (Recommended)
Guided tours are the easiest way to visit Stewart Island, especially for first-timers.
- Stewart Island ferry is included: Most guided tours bundle the Bluff–Oban ferry, removing the need to book crossings separately.
- Seamless transfers: Tours coordinate Bluff connections, ferry timings, and on-island transport.
- Weather-smart planning: Itineraries adjust to sea conditions and daylight hours.
- Wildlife timing: Evening tours are scheduled around peak kiwi activity.
- No guesswork: Ferries, boats, and local transport are handled for you.
- Better coverage: Easily combine ferry travel with Ulva Island walks or village and bays tours.
Stewart Island ferry
Ferries depart from Bluff, 30 minutes south of Invercargill. Sailings run multiple times daily in summer and less frequently in winter. The crossing takes around one hour and can be choppy in poor weather.
- Departure port: Bluff Harbour
- Duration: ~1 hour
- Frequency: 1-4 sailings daily (seasonal)
- Best for: Independent travellers
- Cons: Weather-dependent; limited winter services
Tip: Book return ferry tickets early during summer and school holidays.
Bus
There is no direct bus to Stewart Island, but buses run regularly from Queenstown or Dunedin to Invercargill. From Invercargill, transfer by taxi or shuttle to Bluff Ferry Terminal.
- Duration: Queenstown → Invercargill ~3.5–4 hrs
- Cost: Budget-friendly
- Frequency: Multiple daily services
- Best for: Budget travellers
- Cons: Requires multiple transfers
Car/self-drive
Driving gives flexibility up to Bluff. From Invercargill, it’s a straightforward 30-minute drive south. Long-term parking is available near the ferry terminal.
- Route: SH1 → Bluff
- Drive time: ~30 min from Invercargill
- Best for: Groups, flexible schedules
- Cons: No vehicle access on Stewart Island
Getting around on Stewart Island
Stewart Island has limited roads and no public transport network. Most attractions are accessed by guided tours, boats, or walking. Oban village is compact and walkable, but remote bays and Ulva Island require boat access. Renting a car is unnecessary; guided transport is the most efficient way to explore.
Things to do on Stewart Island
1/5
Ulva Island
Predator-free sanctuary with rare native birds.
Wild Kiwi encounter
Evening wildlife experience in a natural habitat.
Village & bays tour
Scenic lookouts and island orientation.
Paterson Inlet cruises
Calm waters and coastal scenery.
Rakiura track
Multi-day Great Walk for experienced hikers.
Your day on Stewart Island
Morning
Depart Invercargill and travel to Bluff for the ferry crossing to Stewart Island. Arrive in Oban and begin with a guided village and bays tour, covering key viewpoints, local history, and practical orientation for the island.
Midday
Join a guided cruise to Ulva Island followed by an easy forest walk through predator-free bush. Spot native birdlife and learn about conservation efforts. Return to Oban for lunch or a short waterfront walk.
Afternoon
Enjoy free time in Oban to explore the harbour, visit the museum, or relax by Halfmoon Bay. Alternatively, join an additional short walk or scenic cruise, depending on your tour choice.
Evening
Take part in an evening or night kiwi spotting tour, timed for peak wildlife activity. Afterwards, return to your accommodation or unwind along the waterfront, ending the day at a relaxed island pace.
Handy tips
- Best time to travel: Morning ferries usually offer calmer seas and more reliable schedules, especially during peak season.
- Booking smart: Combo tickets (ferry + tour) help align timings, reduce waiting around Oban, and often work out better value.
- Seasonal planning: Winter sailings and tour departures are limited; lock in ferry times before booking activities.
- Weather prep: Conditions can change quickly; waterproof layers and wind protection are essential year-round.
- Wildlife timing: Many of the best wildlife experiences, including kiwi encounters, run in the evening, and an overnight stay gives you far more flexibility.
- Footwear & gear: Tracks can be muddy even after light rain; sturdy walking shoes and insect repellent are highly recommended.
- Connectivity & cash: Mobile coverage is limited outside Oban, and ATMs are scarce. So, download maps in advance and carry some cash.
Frequently asked questions about getting to Stewart Island
The most budget-friendly option is travelling by bus or car to Bluff, then taking the passenger ferry across Foveaux Strait. This avoids flight costs and runs year-round, though schedules may be limited in winter.
Flying from Invercargill to Stewart Island is the quickest option, taking around 20 minutes. For most travellers, flying to Invercargill, transferring to Bluff, then using the ferry offers the best balance of speed and cost.
Yes. Guided tours simplify transport coordination, account for weather and ferry timings, and significantly improve wildlife sighting chances. They’re especially valuable if you’re visiting for a short time or travelling in changeable conditions.
Advance booking is strongly recommended during summer, school holidays, and weekends. Winter travel may have more availability, but booking ahead helps secure preferred departure times.
No. Private vehicles remain on the mainland. Stewart Island is explored on foot, by water taxi, or with guided transport, which keeps the environment quiet and low-impact.
The ferry journey takes approximately one hour, depending on sea conditions. Crossings can be rough in strong winds, so seasickness medication is advised for sensitive travellers.
Yes, small aircraft operate year-round between Invercargill and Stewart Island. Flights are weather-dependent and may be rescheduled if conditions are unsafe.
Yes, but it’s best suited to village tours or Ulva Island walks. An overnight stay is recommended if you want to join evening kiwi tours or allow flexibility for weather changes.
Limited luggage storage may be available through tour operators or accommodations. Check in advance, especially if arriving early or departing late.
Operators prioritise safety and may delay or cancel services. Most providers offer rebooking or alternative options when conditions allow.
Yes. Most tours are scheduled around common arrival times to minimise waiting and maximise time on the island.
Yes. Many tours are easy-paced and suitable for families and seniors, particularly village tours, cruises, and Ulva Island walks.
