Combos

Combo (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 available

4.7/5(108)

Izelle S

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

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

3 weeks ago

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!

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.

Anne H

Couple

Verified booking

Mar 2026

Stunning day, excellent crossing, tour was fantastic with a very humourous guide, she was also extremely informative and knowledgeable on the island history etc. If only coming over for the day this tour is a must. Highly reccomend

Sheryl R

Couple

Verified booking

Mar 2026

Great ride over to Stewart Island, plenty of bouncy waves to make it exciting, but not too rough. Very smooth oily calm coming back, nearly went to sleep.😀

Margaret D

Couple

Verified booking

Feb 2026

The crew were fabulous. We saw a variety of wildlife along the way. Penguins, seals, sea lions and many birds. The walk for the kiwis was great - but no kiwis to be seen. We did hear them and see some footprints on the beach. The owls were lovely to see and hear them singing to each other. Thank you to the crew for their hard work.

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.

108 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.
88
14
4
0
2
Guests from Australia, United States, Germany and over 15 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Rowan-atarangi C
Solo
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
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!
Izelle S
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
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.
Cindy G
Couple
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Although the ride over was a bit bumpy the tour guides accommodated by busing us around to catch the second boat. That was very thoughtful of them
Helen L
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Enjoyed the bus trip and learning more about the island. Disappointed the fish and chip shop was closed☺️
Margaret W
Couple
Verified booking
2 weeks ago
Pleasant boat ride and bus tour. Informative lunch at the hotel great too

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.