Stewart Island Tours & Tickets

Book a one-way ferry from Stewart Island (Rakiura) to Bluff, and travel across the Foveaux Strait by catamaran. The approximate 1-hour journey takes you back to the seaport town of Bluff, considered the southernmost town in New Zealand’s South Island, after your visit to Stewart Island. Hear live commentary on board and look around for marine life while you sip complimentary coffee or tea.

Explore the unspoiled bays of Stewart Island — known to the Maoris as Rakiura — on a minibus tour with a knowledgeable local guide. Starting from Oban village, your narrated tour covers Lee Bay, Halfmoon Bay and Horseshoe Bay. Stop for photo ops of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock, and hop off the vehicle for short walks along the 90-minute route.

Ride a catamaran to Paterson Inlet and take a guided walk at Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary. Your cruise showcases hidden coves and unspoiled beaches with informative commentary. Keep an eye out for fur seals and penguins, then learn about native birdlife and plants that flourish in the predator-free environment of Ulva Island. This tour departs Stewart Island in the afternoon, with the option to include a boxed lunch on board. Numbers are limited, for a small-group experience.