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Bluff to Stewart Island Ferry

South Island

RealNZ

from

NZ$135

per adult

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Passengers enjoy the scenic ferry ride to Stewart Island, gazing out the window at the ocean.

Experiences

Ferry Crossings Cruises

Cruises

South Island

Start: Bluff

Finish: Oban, Stewart Island

Location: Bluff

Travel Time: 1 hour

Details

Scenic and Seamless: Your Ferry to Stewart Island

Hop aboard a modern catamaran for a smooth, one-hour journey across the Foveaux Strait from Bluff to Stewart Island. With both indoor and outdoor seating, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the rugged coastline, offshore islands, and maybe even catch a glimpse of mollymawks and other seabirds trailing in the ferry’s wake.

As you cruise, onboard commentary points out local landmarks like the Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, and Mt Anglem—the highest peak on Stewart Island. Whether you're on a morning or afternoon departure, complimentary tea or coffee adds to the relaxed vibe of this unforgettable crossing.

HIGHLIGHTS

Daily Departures – Morning and afternoon departures to suit your schedule.
Purpose-built Catamarans- Travel on one of our purpose-built catamarans. Enjoy a complimentary tea or coffee onboard.
1 Hour Journey – The journey to Rakiura Stewart Island across the Foveaux Strait takes 1 hour.
Coach Connections – Easy connections available from Invercargill.

View of the Stewart Island Visitor Terminal, with a wooden pier extending into the calm harbor waters.

Guests boarding a bus with a warm welcome at the Stewart Island Ferry terminal.

Ferry departing Bluff for Oban Harbour on Stewart Island, New Zealand

Captain steering the ferry, with the control panel and coastal view visible from the bridge.

A traveler enjoys the view as they travel to Stewart Island aboard the ferry, gazing at the scenic coastal landscapes of Oban.

The side view of a ferry traveling towards Stewart Island with lush green hills visible in the background.

A smiling passenger aboard the Stewart Island ferry on a scenic journey, with coastal views in the background.

View of Stewart Island's ferry terminal with boats in the harbor and lush green surroundings.

A staff member at the Stewart Island Ferry terminal welcomes visitors with a "Welcome to Stewart Island" sign in the background.

DEPARTURE LOCATION

Stewart Island Experience Visitor Terminal - 21 Foreshore Road, Bluff.

ADDITIONAL BAGGAGE

Personal baggage is carried free on the ferries - maximum of two bags per person (one stowed and one small carry-on).
For visitors to Stewart Island wishing to bring additional baggage, the transport of these items is by prior arrangement. Please contact us for details. This service is not available on all ferry departures, due to the size of the vessel and the limited cargo space available.

PLEASE NOTE: Currently we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs on the Stewart Island Ferries. If this impacts your booking, we apologise for the inconvenience, please contact us to discuss your options.

VEHICLE PARKING

Vehicle parking is available in Bluff, adjacent to the Bluff Visitor Terminal for self-driving visitors taking the ferry to Stewart Island. Parking is available for cars, boat trailers, coaches, campervans, motorcycles and bicycles. This is an airport-style parking facility, so you collect a ticket on entry and pay when you leave. Vehicle parking cannot be booked in advance.

Please note: We do not operate on Christmas Day.

AGE INFORMATION

Adult: 16 years +
Children: 4-15 years
Infant: Under 4 years

A Government visitor levy of NZ$5.00 per adult per one-way ferry crossing is included in the adult rates

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS

More than 24 hours before departure: Full refund**.
Within 24 hours: No refund

Note: **Refund excludes credit card or payment fees, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Departure Dates

Departure Times:

9:45am: All Year
1:45pm: 15 December-28 February (except Christmas Day)
4:30pm May-September
5:15pm October-April (except Christmas Day)

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