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Stewart Island Attractions and Activities
Stewart Island, the southern-most island of New Zealand, shows as a dot on the map (if it appears at all). Don’t be fooled. Stewart Island is large, 64 km long, and 40 km across (at its widest point). It has a 700 km coastline, but there are only 20 km of roads! A daily ferry to Stewart Island also departs two times in a day. Moreover, one can also avail a plane that flies three times a day.
You won’t walk round the Island in a day. Even ten days tramping only skirts the northern third. Few people can claim to have seen anywhere near the whole of Stewart Island. However, there is much to see, even close to the only settlement of Oban. For a day-trip or stay longer, as there is a good range of accommodation. Some visitors from twenty years ago are still living here. This island is famous for birdlife with species like Kiwi.
Stewart Island – Rakiura Day Tours
Listing view
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 throughout the cruise and are happy to answer any questions.
Then disembark at Ulva Island, a renowned wildlife sanctuary for a 45-minute guided walk with a specialist nature guide. View rare plants and rich birdlife, including the inquisitive weka, which are often seen on the beac....
Read more about Stewart Island Day Trip
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