All Stewart Island / Rakiura Tours & Excursions in 2026

Stewart Island is New Zealand’s third largest island and it’s an idyllic spot for a day trip from Bluff. Maximise your time with this great-value return ferry to Stewart Island from Bluff and sail across the scenic Foveaux Strait on a 1-hour catamaran cruise.

Ride a catamaran to Paterson Inlet and take a guided walk at Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary. Your cruise showcases hidden coves and unspoiled beaches with informative commentary. Keep an eye out for fur seals and penguins, then learn about native birdlife and plants that flourish in the predator-free environment of Ulva Island. This tour departs Stewart Island in the afternoon, with the option to include a boxed lunch on board. Numbers are limited, for a small-group experience.

There are few places in New Zealand where you’re likely to spot kiwis in the wild, and Stewart Island is one. Improve your chances of spotting this nocturnal bird on a guided tour at dusk. Head out for a pre-sunset cruise, spotting albatross, penguins, and fur seals, before a venture into the bush toward a secluded beach where kiwi are often spotted. For a deeper understanding of New Zealand, upgrade to the culture "kiwi and culture encounter" to hear stories of Maori and European history.

There are many great walking spots on Stewart Island/Rakiura, but it can be hard to reach some places independently. Avoid the risk of getting lost, and learn more about the island’s natural and cultural history, on this guided walk to Oneke, or “the Neck.” Starting in Oban, take a short boat ride to the trail, then breathe deeply as you walk through native forest surrounded by birdsong.