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Combo (Save 6%): Stewart Island Round Trip Ferry Tickets

Crew assisting tourists boarding the Stewart Island Ferry.
Couple talking to staff at the cafeteria on board the Stewart Island Ferry.
Couple enjoying the view on Stewart Island Ferry, New Zealand coast in background.
Passengers enjoying the view from Stewart Island Ferry window.

Duration

1 hr

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Transfers available

4.8/5(129)

Izelle S

Couple
Verified booking
Apr 2026
The boat ride was very smooth and the captain was very good at navigating through the rougher parts of the strait. Complementary coffee and tea were good however only black tea no uncafinated options. Would definitely use the ferry again in the future and would definitely recommend for others.

Rowan-atarangi C

Solo
Verified booking
Apr 2026
We had a lovely experience, very great ferry ride! The views are gorgeous, you can sit in a seat or stand out the back and watch the ocean. Dropping off and collecting luggage is also incredibly efficient!

Carl R

Group
Verified booking
Apr 2026
Briliant service , good seamanship to make the ride comfortable due to the lumpy sea conditions Luggage loaded and unloaded promptly and inspite of the conditions was kept perfectly dry

Sally L

Couple
Verified booking
Apr 2026
The ferry is just a means of getting there but really enjoyed our tour of the island and learnt so much from Bevan about the island which we wouldn't have learnt otherwise - a most interesting 90 minutes

Christine H

Couple
Verified booking
Mar 2026
It was great to see an equal opportunity ferry company. So nice to see females working on the boats. We felt safe and comfortable on both there and back from Stewart Island. The return trip was delayed due to extreme and unsafe weather conditions. All staff were proficient and dealt with passengers who were uncomfortable with the stormy conditions.

Elizabeth A

Couple
Verified booking
Mar 2026
We booked return Ferry tickets to Stewart island as had the experience recommended to us and enjoyed it throughly. The Ferry was well organized, timely and conveniently located. We stayed overnight and also did a Kiwi walk experience on Ulva island with RealNZ, a highlight of our 24 hour stay.
    • This combo includes round-trip ferry transfers between Stewart Island and Bluff, live commentary, and complimentary tea or coffee.

    • Cruise across Foveaux Strait with coastal views, spotting seabirds like mollymawks and titi soaring alongside the ferry.

    • Explore local history and sights, like Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, the Titi Islands, and Mount Anglem.

    • Live commentary keeps you engaged with fascinating facts and stories throughout your crossing.

    • Complimentary tea and coffee make your ferry ride even more enjoyable as you take in the scenery.

    • Round-trip ferry transfer between Bluff and Stewart Island

    • Live commentary

    • Complimentary coffee or tea

  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

  • 129 reviews

    How do we collect reviews?

    These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.

    103
    22
    3
    0
    1
    Australia
    United Kingdom
    United States
    Canada
    Germany
    Switzerland
    Netherlands
    Israel
    Spain
    Poland
    Australia
    United Kingdom
    United States
    Canada
    Germany
    Switzerland
    Netherlands
    Israel
    Spain
    Poland
    Guests from Australia, United Kingdom, United States and over 15 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Virginia S

    Group
    Verified booking
    3 weeks ago
    Efficient helpful. Sea calm but not much to see in way of wild life during the journey.

    Rowan-atarangi C

    Solo
    Verified booking
    Apr 2026
    We had a lovely experience, very great ferry ride! The views are gorgeous, you can sit in a seat or stand out the back and watch the ocean. Dropping off and collecting luggage is also incredibly efficient!

    Sally L

    Couple
    Verified booking
    Apr 2026
    The ferry is just a means of getting there but really enjoyed our tour of the island and learnt so much from Bevan about the island which we wouldn't have learnt otherwise - a most interesting 90 minutes

    Izelle S

    Couple
    Verified booking
    Apr 2026
    The boat ride was very smooth and the captain was very good at navigating through the rougher parts of the strait. Complementary coffee and tea were good however only black tea no uncafinated options. Would definitely use the ferry again in the future and would definitely recommend for others.

    Carl R

    Group
    Verified booking
    Apr 2026
    Briliant service , good seamanship to make the ride comfortable due to the lumpy sea conditions Luggage loaded and unloaded promptly and inspite of the conditions was kept perfectly dry
  • Save on round-trip ferry travel and experience both sides of the Foveaux Strait with included live commentary and warm drinks.

    Getting started Begin your journey at the Stewart Island Experience Visitor Terminal, 21 Foreshore Road, Bluff. Check in, validate your ticket, and board the express catamaran for your first crossing—no need to book separate one-way tickets.

    What to expect

    Bluff to Stewart Island Travel from Bluff to Stewart Island aboard a fast catamaran, crossing the wild waters of Foveaux Strait. This route is known for its scenic coastline and glimpses of remote maritime heritage.

    Features

    • Wildlife spotting: Watch for mollymawks and other seabirds trailing the ferry, offering a chance to spot native wildlife in their natural habitat.

    • Live commentary: Hear stories about Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, the Titi Islands, and Mount Anglem, adding context to the passing scenery.

    • Complimentary tea or coffee: Enjoy a warm drink as you take in views of Stewart Island’s rugged shoreline and the Southern Ocean.

    Stewart Island to Bluff Return from Stewart Island to Bluff with the same comfort and convenience, ensuring a seamless round-trip experience. The ferry departs from Oban, Stewart Island’s only town, after you’ve explored the island’s natural wonders.

    Features

    • Flexible travel: The combo covers both legs of your journey, saving you the hassle of separate bookings and ensuring a smooth return.

    • Scenic highlights: Experience the Strait from both directions, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy different perspectives of the coastline.

    • Onboard amenities: Sip another complimentary tea or coffee while listening to more local stories and soaking up the maritime atmosphere.

    This combo offers the best value and convenience for exploring Stewart Island and returning to Bluff, with all the scenic and practical benefits included.

  • What to bring

    • Bring sunscreen, a camera, water, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, and a waterproof jacket for this experience.

    • Pack your motion sickness medicines just in case they’re not available onsite.

    • Bring local currency or your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.

    Accessibility

    • This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

    Additional information

    • Guests can carry two bags and one small carry bag per person.

    • The one-way ferry lasts 1 hour.

    • The one-way ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island departs at 9:45am, 1:45pm, 4:30pm, & 5:15pm, whereas the one-way ferry from Stewart Island to Bluff departs at 8am, 12:15pm, 3pm, & 3:30pm.

    • Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
    • Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
    • Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
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