Stewart Island Ferry, Dunedin
Stewart Island Ferry, Dunedin
Duration: 1 hour (approx.)
1 hour (approx.)
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience
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Get your booking confirmed instantly
Experience the allure of Dunedin's Stewart Island Ferry as you traverse Foveaux Strait on this scenic journey. From the coastal gateway at Bluff, set sail aboard an express catamaran for a one-hour ride filled with stunning views and glimpses into local wildlife and history. The ferry departs from the Stewart Island Experience Visitor Terminal located at 21 Foreshore Road in Bluff.
Experience the allure of Dunedin's Stewart Island Ferry as you traverse Foveaux Strait on this scenic journey. From the coastal gateway at Bluff, set sail aboard an express catamaran for a one-hour ride filled with stunning views and glimpses into local wildlife and history. The ferry departs from the Stewart Island Experience Visitor Terminal located at 21 Foreshore Road in Bluff.
A relaxing one-hour ferry ride to Stewart Island offers scenic coastal views and live commentary while you enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee.
As you cruise across Foveaux Strait on your way to South Island’s most southern point, observe seabirds like mollymawks (albatross) and titi (muttonbirds) soaring behind the ferry.
Discover Stewart Island's long history during your journey as you view key landmarks such as Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, Titi Islands, and Mount Anglem.
The smooth ride on a scenic cruise across Foveaux Strait is enhanced with complimentary tea or coffee onboard for a relaxing start or conclusion to your trip.
Historical trivia: Captain James Cook mistakenly identified Stewart Island as Banks Peninsula of the South Island when he first charted it in 1770.
Admission for the one-way ferry journey across Foveaux Strait, departing Dunedin and heading towards Stewart Island Experience Visitor Terminal on South Island of New Zealand
Access to a return ferry ride from Bluff along Foreshore Road back to Stewart Island (as per option selected)
Entry with live commentary provided throughout your trip
Ticket includes complimentary coffee or tea
Individual Costs
Tourists on the deck of the Stewart Island Ferry in New Zealand waters.
Welcome Aboard
The Stewart Island Ferry offers a fascinating journey across Foveaux Strait's wild waters. Enjoy stunning coastal views and discover local history as this ride showcases the remote beauty and maritime heritage of Stewart Island.
Start Your Adventure
- Begin your experience at the Stewart Island Experience Visitor Terminal, located at 21 Foreshore Road in Bluff. From here, start a scenic one-hour ferry journey across Foveaux Strait aboard an express catamaran.
Journey Highlights
- Start the scenic Stewart Island Ferry ride that crosses Foveaux Strait, connecting Stewart Island to New Zealand's South Island via this picturesque waterway.
- Keep a lookout for diverse wildlife and seabirds like mollymawks (a type of albatross) as you sail across the strait. The ferry journey offers ample opportunities for spotting these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
- Enjoy live commentary detailing famous landmarks such as Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, Titi Islands, and Mount Anglem—the highest peak on Stewart Island—enhancing your understanding of this unique region's features.
Relaxation Aboard
Savor a complimentary coffee or tea while taking in the stunning views of Stewart Island’s rugged coastline against the backdrop of the Southern Ocean. This warm drink adds to the relaxing ambiance during your ferry ride.
Your Destination: Oban
Upon arrival at Oban, the sole town on Stewart Island, you are invited to explore Rakiura National Park and observe native kiwi in their natural environment. Experience the island’s secluded allure before returning via the Stewart Island Ferry back to Bluff.
Crew assisting tourists boarding the Stewart Island Ferry.
Couple talking to staff at the cafeteria on board the Stewart Island Ferry.
Tourists on the deck of the Stewart Island Ferry in New Zealand waters.
Crew assisting tourists boarding the Stewart Island Ferry.
Couple talking to staff at the cafeteria on board the Stewart Island Ferry.
Passengers enjoying the view from Stewart Island Ferry window.
- Sunscreen, a camera, water, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, and a waterproof jacket are essential for this excursion.
- If motion sickness medications aren't available on-site, it's wise to bring your own just in case.
Carry local currency or your preferred payment method as meals, souvenirs, and additional treats not included with the ticket may require extra funds.
This experience is not accessible for wheelchair users.
- Each guest can bring two bags plus one small carry bag per person.
- The duration of the one-way ferry ride is 1 hour.
Ferry schedules are as follows: from Bluff to Stewart Island, departures occur at 9:45am, 1:45pm, 4:30pm, and 5:15pm. From Stewart Island back to Bluff, ferries leave at 8am, 12:15pm, 3pm, and 3:30pm.
Couple enjoying the view on Stewart Island Ferry, New Zealand coast in background.
Stewart Island Ferry docked with distant islands in the background.
Passengers enjoying the view from Stewart Island Ferry window.
Couple enjoying the view on Stewart Island Ferry, New Zealand coast in background.
Stewart Island Ferry docked with distant islands in the background.
Bring sunscreen, a camera, water, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, and a waterproof jacket to ensure you're prepared for varying weather conditions.
Pack motion sickness medication just in case it’s not available on the ferry, ensuring your journey is comfortable.
Come equipped with local currency or your preferred payment method as meals, souvenirs, and extras are not included in the ticket price.
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