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Combo: 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 included

4.6/5

(19)

Kay McKenzie

Kay

Sep 2025
Verified booking
4/5
Friendly staff. Efficient operation. Staff are kind and helpful to those who are seasick. The service can operate is quite rough weather, without any fuss.
Flavia Maria Schiappacasse Canepa

Flavia

Sep 2025
Verified booking
5/5
Good driver! It was windy and he could manage very well. I got sea sick and the team helped me very well. On the way back to Bluff, no problem.
Megan Chapman

Megan

Jun 2025
Verified booking
5/5
The skipper and crew of the Foveau Express were amazing. So cool, calm and collected on a rough trip across the strait. We felt in safe hands the whole time.
    • 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.

  • 4.6
    19 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.

    12
    6
    1
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    What our guests say

    Kay McKenzie

    Kay

    Sep 2025
    Verified booking
    4/5
    Friendly staff. Efficient operation. Staff are kind and helpful to those who are seasick. The service can operate is quite rough weather, without any fuss.
    Flavia Maria Schiappacasse Canepa

    Flavia

    Sep 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Good driver! It was windy and he could manage very well. I got sea sick and the team helped me very well. On the way back to Bluff, no problem.
    Krystyna Marriner

    Krystyna

    Sep 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    The help we received from the locals was awesome. Beautiful place to visit.
    David Moss

    David

    Sep 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Easy booking, smooth boarding, easy trip, helpful staff
    Gary Tay

    Gary

    Aug 2025
    Verified booking
    5/5
    Seeing the wildlife , the easy going atmosphere
  • 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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