Combos

Combo: Stewart Island Round Trip Ferry Tickets

Name: Combo: Stewart Island Round Trip Ferry Tickets
Start: 2026-03-12T08:00:00
End: 2026-03-12T09:00:00
Location: Stewart Island

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

4.6/5

(95)

Renee

Jan 2026

Verified booking

The trip over was fast & easy. Coming back, we were on hold due to gale-force winds; however, in the last hour, the trip went ahead. The skipper warned us it would be a little rough & bumpy (understatement at times). He managed the big waves & tide expertly, making the trip as smooth as he could. For someone who suffers from motion sickness, I had no problems (with a little help from Travacalm!). It was even a little exciting watching the waves wash over us!

John

Jan 2026

Verified booking

Ferry excellent but rough crossing (unavoidable). Booking my bike was very difficult.couldnt get any contact or replies for over a week whereas booking passengers easy.when got to the ferry return journey they advised us they were unaware of the booking.so whoever organized it didn't forward information on.there needs to be a tick box for extra cargo at time of passenger bookings .

Julian

Jan 2026

Verified booking

It was a ready great experience. And we saw Kiwis. The crew was lovely, they talk good care of us and showed us alot. However, we were half the size of a maximum capacity group. And even then I sometimes felt like the group is to big and loud for a walk in the bush. Well I guess we saw Kiwis so I might need wrong, but be prepared.

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.

95 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.
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16
4
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Guests from Australia, United Kingdom, United States and over 15 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Anne
Mar 2026
Verified booking
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
Fiona
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Very helpful & polite staff. Good conversations. Boat clean & practically smooth sailings.
Jesse
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Awesome vessel, plenty to look at and a fast journey.
Barbara
Mar 2026
Verified booking
Very fast Ferry, on time, very good experience
Denyse
Feb 2026
Verified booking
Captain ggave great instructions on how not to get seasick on our soon to be very rough crossing. Attendents were very caring to those who were. I always take Gravol (anti-emetic) when using marine transport and thus enjoyed a roaring forties experience.

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.