Stewart Island Experience

With densely forested hills descending to a coastline of rocky outcrops and creamy golden sand beaches, Stewart Island is perfect for a day excursion or a longer stay.

Cruise between Bluff and Stewart Island on board our modern catamarans. Stewart Island Ferry Services (see below) depart daily, with coach transfers from Invercargill (see below for prices).

On arrival, enjoy a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet and explore the island on our Village and Bays Tours.

View the underwater world from our semi-submersible on our Underwater Explorer Cruises.

Alternatively explore independently with our rental cars, mountain bikes and scooters.

Daily Tours

Paterson Inlet Cruises

Discover Stewart Island from the water. Enjoy a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet and visit Ulva Island, a renowned wildlife sanctuary.

See rare plants and the abundant bird life during your walk ashore with our nature guide. Our skipper provides detailed commentary throughout the cruise. Relax on board our modern catamaran with excellent viewing opportunities. Cruises depart from the Stewart Island Visitor Terminal.

• Duration 2 hours 30 mins
• Delicious picnic lunch option (if pre-ordered)
• Suitable for all ages

Village & Bay Tours

Explore Oban and the surrounding bays in our modern mini-buses. Gain an entertaining insight into the community, history and environment of Stewart Island. Our guides enjoy sharing their local knowledge and there is plenty of time available for photo stops and short walks. Tours depart from the Oban Visitor Centre.

• Duration 1 hour 30 mins 
• Suitable for all ages

Underwater Explorer Cruises

Join our exciting new semi-sub tours of Halfmoon Bay - Stewart Island. Enjoy superb underwater viewing of the diverse marine life for which Stewart Island is renowned.

Our semi-sub enables you to explore below the waterline and view many fish species and other sea life. Drift through lush kelp forests, view cray pots, mussels, sea tulips and more. Our on board nature guide provides detailed information about the rich marine life visible through the windows. Tours depart from Stewart Island Visitor Terminal.

Oban Visitor Center

Stewart Island is a fantastic place to explore independently. An excellent range of modern rental cars enables you to discover the stunning coastline and secluded communities at your own pace and in your own time. Motor scooters are also available for hire (a driver's licence is required for the hire of rental cars and motor scooters). Ask about rental cars, motor scooters and mountain bike hire.

Discovery Cruise

Stewart Island combines breathtaking scenery, rare wildlife and fascinating history. Reflecting its Maori name, Rakiura (land of the glowing skies), dawn and twilight hues can be spectacular. There is no better way to experience Stewart Island than during the winter season when the weather is at its most settled.

Your six day journey begins with a cruise across Foveaux Strait from Bluff to Stewart Island's eastern shoreline. For the next six days you will cruise in some of the most magical waters in New Zealand and have interesting trips ashore.

Discovery Cruise Highlights:

• Wildlife viewing including possible encounters with kiwi, penguins, seals, sea lions and sea birds
• Visits to interesting historic sites and old settlements
• Guided walks through rainforest, along deserted beaches and up to scenic lookouts
• Kayaking and tender craft cruising in sheltered waters
• Informative commentaries and evening talks by the on board nature guide.

Discover Stewart Island in style on the Milford Wanderer

There is no better way to experience Stewart Island than cruising during the winter season when the weather is at its most settled. Our vessel, the Milford Wanderer, designed along the lines of a traditional trading scow, provides the ideal way to explore this spectacular part of the world.

• 36 passengers per departure
• Comfortable bunk-style accommodation
  (2 per compartment - vessel layout)
• All bedding provided
• Modern bathroom facilities
• Hearty home cooked meals plus morning and afternoon teas
• Open bridge policy

  Prices