All Stewart Island / Rakiura Tours & Excursions in 2026

Explore the unspoiled bays of Rakiura Stewart Island on a minibus tour with a local guide. Starting from Oban village, your narrated tour covers Lee Bay, Halfmoon Bay, and Horseshoe Bay. Stop for photos of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock, and hop off the vehicle for short walks along the hour-long route. As you can’t bring your car to the island, this is a great way to see a lot.

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.

Embark on a guided small-group walk to Oneke, 'The Neck,' on Rakiura Stewart Island. Check in at the ferry terminal in Oban, just a 5 minute walk from the main road. Start with a brief sea cruise to this secluded gem, where stunning coastal landscapes and diverse wildlife await. Your expert guide will lead you through lush forests and rugged beaches, sharing captivating stories of Oneke's Māori and European heritage. The return journey route includes a short cruise back to Oban where the experience began.