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Stewart Island to Bluff Ferry

South Island

RealNZ

from

NZ$135

per adult

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A ferry crew member greeting two passengers aboard the boat, with the Stewart Island ferry terminal in the background.

Experiences

Ferry Crossings Cruises

Cruises

South Island

Start: Oban, Stewart Island

Finish: Bluff

Location: Stewart Island

Travel Time: 1 hour

Details

Your Scenic Farewell from Stewart Island

Heading back to the mainland? The ferry from Stewart Island to Bluff offers a relaxing 1-hour journey across the Foveaux Strait, complete with panoramic views from both indoor lounges and open decks. The purpose-built catamaran ensures a smooth ride, while complimentary tea or coffee adds a warm Kiwi touch to your trip.

Keep an eye out for seabirds like mollymawks soaring overhead or trailing the ferry, giving you one last glimpse of the island’s wild side. Onboard commentary points out coastal landmarks like Dog Island Lighthouse, the Titi Islands, and Mt Anglem—leaving you with a memorable farewell from Rakiura.

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

The Foveaux Express ferry approaching the dock with Stewart Island's distant coastline in the background.

Smiling passengers aboard the Stewart Island ferry, enjoying the scenic views on a bright day.

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

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

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

A traveler captures the stunning sunset view from the ferry to Stewart Island, with the warm glow of the sky reflecting off the water.

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

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 to Invercargill.

DEPARTURE LOCATION

Stewart Island Visitor Terminal, Oban.

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:

8am: All Year
12:15pm: 15 December-28 February (except Christmas Day)
3pm: May-September
3:30pm: October-April (except Christmas Day)

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BOOKING DETAILS:

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