Stewart Island Ferry

Cross the wild waters of Foveaux Strait on the Stewart Island Ferry. With stunning coastal views, a chance to spot diverse wildlife, and tidbits of local history, this ferry ride will give you a peek into Stewart Island’s remote beauty and maritime heritage.

Getting started

Check-in at the Stewart Island Experience Visitor Terminal at 21 Foreshore Road, Bluff, before boarding your express catamaran. Set sail from this coastal gateway for a scenic one-hour ferry ride across Foveaux Strait.

What to expect

Scenic ferry journey: Cross Foveaux Strait, the waterway separating Stewart Island from the South Island, aboard a fast and comfortable express catamaran.

Wildlife spotting & seabirds: Keep your eyes on the horizon for wildlife , from soaring mollymawks (a type of albatross) to other seabirds following the ferry.

Live commentary & iconic sights: Listen to onboard commentary about landmarks like Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, the Titi Islands, and Mount Anglem—Stewart Island’s highest peak.

Relax & enjoy a warm drink: Sip on a complimentary tea or coffee as you take in the views of Stewart Island’s rugged coastline and the Southern Ocean.

Wrapping up

Disembark at Oban, Stewart Island’s only town, where you can explore Rakiura National Park, spot native kiwi, or soak in the island’s remote charm. Once done exploring, you can always take the return ferry to Bluff.

Stewart Island Ferry

Discover the serene beauty of Stewart Island on this sightseeing ferry journey that includes a relaxing one-hour cruise, live commentary in English and Maori, complimentary tea or coffee, and stunning coastal views. Key sights include Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, the Titi Islands, and Mount Anglem. The ferry departs twice daily from Bluff Harbor, providing an easy start or end to your adventure with a smooth ride that spans 60 minutes. With an average of 150 passengers per trip, this tour offers a unique glimpse into Stewart Island's natural beauty and rich history. Captain James Cook first charted the island in 1770, mistaking it for Banks Peninsula on the South Island due to its similar appearance from afar.

Spotting Seabirds Aboard the Ferry

Your tour stops at various seabird habitats as you cruise past Dog Island Lighthouse and Ruapuke Island. These areas are home to numerous species such as mollymawks (albatross) and titi (muttonbirds), which soar alongside the ferry. The Titi Islands, covering an area of 120 acres, serve as a crucial breeding ground for these birds. Established in 1987, the conservation efforts here have significantly increased bird populations since then. Guests can observe seabirds up close during the 60-minute journey, with plenty of opportunities to spot them from the ferry deck. This unique experience is unmatched by any other ferry route and provides a rare chance to witness the diverse wildlife around Stewart Island.

Exploring Dog Island Lighthouse

Your tour stops at Dog Island Lighthouse where you can learn about its history, built in 1879 as part of New Zealand's maritime safety network. Standing tall at 45 meters above sea level, the lighthouse offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastal waters and is a key navigational aid for ships traveling to Stewart Island. The lighthouse is surrounded by lush vegetation and rocky cliffs that provide a stark contrast against the blue ocean backdrop. Visitors can spend about 10 minutes exploring the grounds around the lighthouse, taking in its historical significance while enjoying the scenic beauty of Dog Island. This landmark stands out as an essential part of New Zealand's maritime heritage.

Discovering Ruapuke Island

Your tour takes you past Ruapuke Island where you can learn about its rich cultural history and natural beauty. The island covers approximately 1,200 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife including rare seabirds and marine mammals. Established in the early 1800s as a whaling station, Ruapuke Island played a significant role in New Zealand's maritime economy during that period. Today, it serves as a protected area for conservation efforts and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the island's past through guided tours and informational plaques. Guests can spend around 5 minutes observing the island from the ferry deck, marveling at its rugged coastline and dense forests. This landmark is an important part of Stewart Island's cultural heritage.

Tour Highlights

• Relaxing one-hour cruise with live commentary
• Coastal views of Dog Island Lighthouse and Ruapuke Island
• Seabird spotting including mollymawks (albatross) and titi (muttonbirds)
• Complimentary tea or coffee on board the ferry
• Historical insights into Stewart Island's maritime heritage
• Smooth, scenic ride with comfortable seating arrangements
• Easy access to Bluff Harbor for a convenient start or end to your trip

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and families, this sightseeing tour provides an immersive experience of Stewart Island’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The one-hour format allows you to relax aboard the ferry while enjoying stunning coastal views, spotting seabirds, and learning about historical landmarks such as Dog Island Lighthouse and Ruapuke Island. This unique journey offers a rare opportunity to witness the diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes of Stewart Island.