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Combo (Save 5%) (Save 5%) : Stewart Island Ferry + Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter

Tourists on the deck of the Stewart Island Ferry in New Zealand waters.
Couple enjoying the view on Stewart Island Ferry, New Zealand coast in background.
Kiwi bird foraging on the ground in a dark natural setting.
Tourists on a boat in Stewart Island view the lush, tree-covered shoreline.

Duration

1 hr - 4 hr 30 min

Free cancellation

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

Guided tour

Transfers included

4.7/5

(27)

Margaretha Janna Kusters

Margaretha

Nov 2025
Verified booking
5/5
During the ferry trip from Bluff to Stewart Island the sea was really calm, so we had a very pleasant trip, seeing how the island approached and looking forward to a nice stay there. The sea was mich wilder during the trip back, but the captain stayed so calm, that I had complete confidence in him. A very beautiful sight were the birds around the boat: White cap albatross and many kinds of seagulls, a pleasure for any birdwatcher and nature lover
John O Inlow Jr

John

Nov 2025
Verified booking
5/5
We had a great experience with Stewart Island Ferry. The terminal was easy to find, the staff was ready to help and very courteous. The captain(s) steered the ferry to make the voyage as smooth as possible (which was great since I tend to get sea sick). Good safety briefing. Efficient loading/unloading of baggage. Well done!
Aaro Benjamin Sariola

Aaro

Nov 2025
Verified booking
5/5
We saw kiwis, it was amazing 😍 and the guides were super friendly and had a lot of knowledge. They clearly knew where and when the kiwis would appear.
    • Explore Stewart Island in one day — scenic ferry ride, sunset wildlife cruise, and kiwi spotting adventure.

    • Sail across Foveaux Strait on the Stewart Island ferry, cruise to Little Glory Cove at sunset, and explore the island’s natural beauty.

    • Enjoy up-close encounters with native wildlife, including the elusive southern‑brown kiwi, guided by expert nature guides.

  • Stewart Island ferry

    • One-way ferry transfer to Stewart Island

    • Live commentary

    • Complimentary coffee or tea

    Stewart Island wild kiwi encounter

    • 4 to 4.5-hour Stewart Island wild kiwi experience

    • Sunset marine cruise from Oban to Little Glory Cove

    • Kiwi spotting at Little Glory Cove

    • Return cruise to Oban from Little Glory Cove

    • Complimentary hot beverages onboard

    • Expert nature guide

    • Guided 2-hour evening & night walk

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

  • 4.7
    27 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.

    21
    5
    1
    0
    0
    Guests from Australia, United Kingdom, United States and over 9 countries have loved this experience

    What our guests say

    Verity McDonald

    Verity

    Dec 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Great service. Friendly, professional staff highly experienced at the often times rough crossing.
    Margaretha Janna Kusters

    Margaretha

    Nov 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    During the ferry trip from Bluff to Stewart Island the sea was really calm, so we had a very pleasant trip, seeing how the island approached and looking forward to a nice stay there. The sea was mich wilder during the trip back, but the captain stayed so calm, that I had complete confidence in him. A very beautiful sight were the birds around the boat: White cap albatross and many kinds of seagulls, a pleasure for any birdwatcher and nature lover
    John O Inlow Jr

    John

    Nov 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    We had a great experience with Stewart Island Ferry. The terminal was easy to find, the staff was ready to help and very courteous. The captain(s) steered the ferry to make the voyage as smooth as possible (which was great since I tend to get sea sick). Good safety briefing. Efficient loading/unloading of baggage. Well done!
    Aaro Benjamin Sariola

    Aaro

    Nov 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    We saw kiwis, it was amazing 😍 and the guides were super friendly and had a lot of knowledge. They clearly knew where and when the kiwis would appear.
    Megan-Lee Meredith

    Megan-lee

    Nov 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Awesome and hospitable team. Very professional service. Great wild life outing
  • Wildlife encounters and scenic ferry views — your full Stewart Island adventure in one seamless, great-value package.

    Getting started

    Your combo ticket includes a comfortable express ferry transfer from Bluff to Stewart Island plus access to the Wild Kiwi Encounter. Just show your ticket at check‑in — no extra booking needed.

    What to expect

    Stewart Island ferry

    • Scenic Strait crossing: A 1‑hour ferry ride across the Foveaux Strait with stunning coastal views, historic island landmarks and live commentary.

    • Wildlife spotting & seabirds: Watch for seabirds such as albatrosses, muttonbirds and possibly dolphins or seals during the journey.

    • Comfort onboard: Enjoy complimentary hot drinks (tea or coffee) during the ride, a relaxing and welcoming start (or end) to your island adventure.

    Stewart Island wild kiwi encounter

    • Sunset cruise & nature cruise: Depart Oban and glide across Paterson Inlet to Little Glory Cove on a scenic marine cruise, prime time for spotting seabirds, penguins or seals.

    • Guided night walk by torchlight: After dusk, follow an expert nature guide on a 2‑hour walk through coastal forest and along a sandy beach in search of the elusive southern‑brown kiwi (Rakiura tokoeka) in its natural habitat.

    • Intimate group size & local insight: Small groups and knowledgeable guides enhance your chance to observe kiwi and understand their behaviour, habitat and conservation efforts.

    • Hot drinks & comfort: Complimentary hot beverages onboard, perfect to warm up after the walk and enjoy under the stars.

  • What to bring

    Stewart Island ferry

    • Bring sunscreen, camera, water, sunglasses, 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.

    Stewart Island wild kiwi encounter

    • Wear sturdy walking shoes as this experience requires walking through uneven and muddy terrain.

    • Bring a warm jacket as the temperature can get cooler in the evenings.

    • Pack your medications, just in case they’re not available onsite.

    What’s not allowed

    Stewart Island wild kiwi encounter

    • Flash photography is not allowed in this experience.

    • This experience is restricted for guests below the age of 15.

    Accessibility

    Stewart Island ferry

    • This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

    Stewart Island wild kiwi encounter

    • This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

    • This experience requires a moderate level of fitness, as it involves a 2-hour guided walk through forest and along beaches.

    • This experience is not suitable for pregnant women and guests with heart or other medical issues.

    Additional information

    Stewart Island ferry

    • 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.

    Stewart Island wild kiwi encounter

    • This experience can accommodate up to a maximum of 16 people.

    • Snacks are available on board the cruise for purchase.

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