Water activity

Stewart Island: Ferry Service Between Bluff & Stewart Island

4.7  / 5114 reviews
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Water activity
Stewart Island: Ferry Service Between Bluff & Stewart Island
4.7  / 5114 reviews

Zip across Foveaux Strait between Bluff and Stewart Island, considered as one of New Zealand's ultimate eco tourism destinations, on board a comfortable catamaran. Friendly staff will provide informative commentary and point out scenic highlights.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
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Duration 1 hour
Check availability to see starting times.
Driver
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

B
Bronwen

Enjoyed both ferry trips. Sea a bit rough going to Rakiura and very ‘bouncy’ as described by the skipper on the way back. Professional calm staff helping the passengers who were nauseated and vomiting. My partner & I were fine. Be prepared !!

B
Bronwen
L
Leonie

Calm seas and beautiful sunrise. Friendly boat staff and hot drinks available. Shame about the lack of transport from Bluff to Invercargill airport.

L
Leonie

Experience

Highlights

  • Take a comfortable and scenic one-hour ferry any time of the year
  • Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee on board
  • Look out for wildlife, particularly sea birds, such as Mollymawks and Titis, which often follow the vessel
  • Listen to comprehensive commentaries that provide information on interesting landmarks commonly seen
  • See Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, the Titi Islands and Mount Anglem - Stewart Island’s highest point

Full description

Cross the Foveaux Strait, a seaway that separates Stewart Island from the South Island, on board an express catamaran. The one-hour ferry ride provides all-year daily scheduled service. During the crossing on the Stewart Island Ferry between the towns of Bluff (on the mainland) and Oban (on Stewart Island), keep a lookout for local wildlife like seabirds. Watch mollymawks (a type of albatross) soar above the ferry.  Listen to comprehensive commentaries that provide information on the interesting landmarks commonly seen, including Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, the Titi Islands (also known as the Muttonbird Islands) and Mount Anglem - Stewart Island’s highest point.

Includes

  • Complimentary tea and coffee on board
  • Two carry-on bags per person
  • Wheelchair access
  • Commentary
  • Fees for additional baggage (by prior arrangement)
  • Parking fees (parking available at Bluff Visitor Terminal)

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

Important information

Know before you go

  • You can bring a maximum of two bags per person (one stowed and one small carry-on) for free on the ferry
  • If you have additional baggage, please make arrangements with the company in advance. This service is not available on all ferry departures, due to the size of the vessel and the limited cargo space available
  • Vehicle parking at Bluff Visitor Terminal is available for an extra charge
  • Parking is available for cars, boat trailers, coaches, camper vans, motorcycles and bicycles
  • This is an airport-style parking facility, so you collect a ticket on entry and pay when you leave

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 114 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Service
    5/5
  • Organization
    5/5

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B
Bronwen May 18, 2021  – Verified booking
Enjoyed both ferry trips. Sea a bit rough going to Rakiura and very ‘bouncy’ as described by the skipper on the way back. Professional calm staff helping the passengers who were nauseated and vomiting. My partner & I were fine. Be prepared !!
Helpful?
L
Leonie June 9, 2021  – Verified booking
Calm seas and beautiful sunrise. Friendly boat staff and hot drinks available. Shame about the lack of transport from Bluff to Invercargill airport.
Helpful?
S
Shelagh – CanadaNovember 24, 2024  – Verified booking
My activity was wonderful but I can't tell you who I went with because you don't provide me with the appropriate option (family not including teenagers or young children).
Helpful?

Product ID: 177462

Activity provider:RealNZ

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