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Stewart Island Tours
Stewart Island New Zealand (Te Punga o Te Waka) – the southernmost island of New Zealand, stretching 64 km in length and 40 km in width at its widest point. Despite having a 700 km coastline, the island only has 20 km of roads. To reach the island, there is a daily ferry service that departs twice a day, as well as a plane service that flies three times a day.
Due to its size, it’s impossible to walk around the island in a day, and even ten days of tramping won’t take you beyond the northern third. There are plenty of things to explore, even near the only settlement of Oban. You can plan a day trip or a longer stay as there are many accommodations available. The island is well-known for its birdlife, including species like Kiwi.
Experience Te Punga o Te Waka
- New Zealand’s third-largest island
- Flying from Invercargill to Stewart Island is a convenient option
- Explore Raikura National Park
- Oban is Stewart Island’s main settlement
- Unforgettable experience of watching wild kiwi birds.
You´ll ❤️ these great things to see & do…
- Catch a water taxi from Stewart Island to the Ulva Island wildlife sanctuary
- Watch wild kiwi foraging on a sandy beach at dusk
- Hike on a rainforest trail in the wilderness of Rakiura National Park
- Dine on the freshest of local seafood
- Dive the marine reserve Paterson Inlet
- Kayak in pristine waters around the stunning Stewart Island coastline
Useful Stewart Island New Zealand Resources
The Best Tours & Day Trips on Stewart Island
Listing view
Bluff to Stewart Island Ferry: A one-hour ferry ride from Bluff across Foveaux Strait lies Stewart Island; one of New Zealand’s largely undiscovered eco-tourism destinations. With its network of stunning bays, inlets, golden sand beaches, and densely forested hills, Stewart Island combines a spectacular mix of breathtaking landscapes.....
Discover Stewart Island from the water. Enjoy a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet and visit Ulva Island - an internationally acclaimed open wildlife sanctuary. During the guided walk (45 mins) with our nature guide, see native bird life and plants flourishing in a predator-free environment. Though now rare on the mainland, the inquisitive flightless weka thrives and is usually encountered.
Following your visit to Ulva Island, discover hidden coves and unspoilt beaches as you cruise further into Paterson Inlet to view the historic Whalers’ Base at Prices Inlet. Our skipper provides an interesting commentary. While on board, keep a lookout for fur seals, penguins and other wildlife, as sightings are common.
• Delicious picnic lunches are available (if pre-ordered; extra cost)
• Duration 2 hours 30 mins
• Departs from Stewart Island Visitor Terminal, Main Wharf
• Suitable for most ages and fitness levels
• Small group size
What to Bring: Waterproof jacke....
Read more about Paterson Inlet Cruise, Stewart Island
Its densely forested hills and untouched coastline of rocky outcrops and creamy golden sand beaches make it a haven for native marine and bird life. Vivid dawn and twilight hues give rise to the island’s Maori name, Rakiura – land of the glowing skies.
Cruise to Stewart Island on our modern catamarans. Regular ferry services depart daily from Bluff.
On arrival, enjoy a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet, Discover Stewart Island from the water. Enjoy a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet viewing hidden coves and unspoilt beaches. Along the way learn about the early Maori history and European settlement including whaling. Our skipper and nature guide provide detailed commentary thr....Scheduled flights linking Stewart Island and Invercargill as well as a number of exciting alternatives providing access to the more remote reaches of the island.
Transport options to Stewart Island are either by ferry or flight. The ferry crossing takes approximately one hour; flights take approximately 15-20 minutes.....
Read more about Stewart Island to Invercargill Flight
Ulva Island is situated within Paterson Inlet, an easy 8 minutes water taxi ride from Golden Bay, Stewart Island. It has an area of approximately 269 ha, 3.5 km long and 1.5 km wide. Once the site of Stewart Island's first Post Office established in 1872, it is now managed by the Department of Conservation as part of Rakiura National Park.
A picturesque, forested island with easy walks, beautiful beaches and interesting coves. During the 1990's, rats were removed from the Island to create a safe haven for native birds and plants, and now the Island's ecology is thriving.
We walk the Island's track, at a gentle pace with frequent stops so that we can unravel the Island's many treasures, listen to birdsong, view endemic and native bird species and plants.
Enjoy a guided walk and excellent commentary on the primeval rainforest, birds, and plants, Maori and European cultural history. View ancient podocarp trees, lush tree ferns, delicate ground ferns, mosses and orchids in s....
Read more about Ulva Island Birds & Forest Tour, Stewart Island
Explore Oban and the surrounding bays in our modern mini-buses. Our guides enjoy sharing their local knowledge of the history and environment of Stewart Island. Gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand’s southernmost community. Stewart Islanders are proud of their island, enjoying its simpler, slower pace. During your tour, there is plenty of time available for photo stops and short walks. Highlights include Lee Bay, the gateway to Rakiura National Park; beautiful Horseshoe Bay and stunning views of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock.
• Departs from Oban Visitor Centre, Red Shed
• Duration 1 hour 30 mins
• Suitable for all ages
• Small group sizes
What to Bring: Waterproof jacket, woollen sweater or fleece jacket, walking shoes or boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent and camera.
Season: All year, daily departures
Duration: 1 hr 30 mins
Departs: 11am & 1pm
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Read more about Village & Bay Tours Stewart Island