Guided Tours

Stewart Island Village & Bays Tour

Explore Stewart Island on a 90-min guided minibus tour with local Māori stories, scenic stops at Lee Bay & Observation Rock, and short walks.

5.0/5(23)

Sue L

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable and was able to tell us a lot of lesser know information about Stewart Isksnd from the perspective of activities and groups that she is involved in - although it was a morning with limited visibility it was a thoroughly enjoyable 90 minutes

Lyndon R

Group

Verified booking

3 weeks ago

We were all very interested to hear all about local life and projects that the committee are running. It was interesting to see the local landmarks also. We had an elderly member of our party and she was well catered for.

Explore Stewart Island’s beauty on a 90-minute guided tour, where a local expert shares Māori legends and the island’s rich history.

Visit Lee Bay, the gateway to Rakiura National Park, and see the iconic anchor chain sculpture symbolizing Stewart Island’s deep connection to the mainland.

Take in the views from Observation Rock, overlooking Paterson Inlet and the surrounding islets—a perfect spot for photos.

Travel comfortably aboard a modern minibus, enjoying a smooth and relaxed ride through Stewart Island’s scenic town and bays.

Did you know? According to Māori legend, Stewart Island is the anchor stone of the South Island canoe (Te Waka o Aoraki).

90-minute guided tour of Stewart Island

Expert local guide

Access to Lee Bay & Observation Rock

Minibus

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

23 reviews
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What our guests say
Sue L
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable and was able to tell us a lot of lesser know information about Stewart Isksnd from the perspective of activities and groups that she is involved in - although it was a morning with limited visibility it was a thoroughly enjoyable 90 minutes
Lyndon R
Group
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
We were all very interested to hear all about local life and projects that the committee are running. It was interesting to see the local landmarks also. We had an elderly member of our party and she was well catered for.
Anne S
Group
Verified booking
Last week
Excellent introduction to the island allowing us to get our bearings and with some recommendations for other places to visit.
Jane M
Couple
Verified booking
5 days ago
Guide had great knowledge and sense of humour :)
Linda H
Couple
Verified booking
Sep 2026
Very comfortable mini bus and a great history talk. The stops we had along the way was picture perfect, would recommend this tour.

Explore the untouched beauty of New Zealand’s southernmost community on a guided minibus tour through stunning coastal landscapes, Māori legends, and rich local history. With plenty of photo stops and short walks, this journey is the perfect introduction to Stewart Island.

Getting started

Meet your friendly local guide at the Oban Visitor Centre and hop aboard a modern minibus for a relaxed and comfortable ride.

What to expect

Oban Township & surrounding bays: Begin your journey in Oban, the heart of Stewart Island, where you'll experience the charm of New Zealand's southernmost community. Take in the picturesque landscapes of Halfmoon Bay and Horseshoe Bay, each offering insights into the island's maritime heritage.

Lee Bay & Rakiura National Park entrance: Visit Lee Bay, the official gateway to Rakiura National Park, which encompasses approximately 85% of Stewart Island. Check out the iconic chain sculpture, symbolizing the connection between Stewart Island (Rakiura) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu).

Observation Rock: Ascend to Observation Rock, a renowned lookout point to get expansive views over Paterson Inlet and the island's diverse landscapes, from dense forests to serene waters.

Local stories & legends: Throughout the tour, your local guide will share stories of Stewart Island's rich history and evolution over time.

Photo stops & short walks: The tour includes several photo and walking stops, letting you step off the minibus and immerse yourself in the island's natural beauty.

What to bring

Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, and a jacket for the tour.

Pack your asthma and allergy medicines just in case they’re not available onsite.

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Accessibility

This experience is wheelchair accessible.

Your service animals are welcome on this experience.

Additional information

Guests over 70 years should consult a doctor to check their physical fitness before going on this tour.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Oban Visitor Centre.

Address: 12 Elgin Terrace, Oban 9846, New Zealand.

Get directions to the meeting point