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Ferry Services Between Bluff and Stewart Island

Invercargill, New Zealand
  • 1 hour (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket

Overview

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.
  • Round-trip ferry transport to Stewart Island from Bluff
  • Look out for wildlife including Albatross and Titi as you cruise across the Foveaux Strait
  • Travel aboard a high-speed catamaran with refreshments served on-board
  • Choice of several departures throughout the day

What's Included

  • Live commentary on board (weather and staff dependant)
  • Luggage allowance: two checked bags plus one small carry-on per person
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

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End points

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What To Expect

Make your own way to the Bluff Visitor Terminal in time for your ferry departure (depending on time selected) and hop aboard for the 1-hour cruise to Stewart Island. Traveling aboard a comfortable catamaran, enjoy spectacular views as you cruise across the Foveaux Strait, passing landmarks such as Dog Island, Ruapuke Island and the Titi Islands.

Along the way, listen to live commentary from your captain; enjoy refreshments including tea and coffee (included); and keep a look out for seabirds such as Mollymawk (Albatross) and Titi.

After spending the day exploring Stewart Island independently, make your way to the Stewart Island Visitor Terminal to board the ferry back to Bluff.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Most travelers can participate
  • The limit is a maximum of two small carry-on pieces of luggage per person. Other luggage is moved in freight boxes, and must be checked in 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time
  • Parking is available at Bluff Visitor Terminal for an additional cost
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 95 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

peter_h
Very comfortable and fast,great way to get to and from Stewart island, comfortable seating and good baggage handling

Reviews

4.3
based on 12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Nightmare sailing

Leanne_O, Nov 2020
It was the worst ferry sailing ive ever encountered. The sea was rough as... I was very unwell n won't be taking the ferry ever again...

Fast and efficient

Craig_T, Jul 2020
Dion and his crew great ambassadors for the ferry service. Was pretty rough but they were calm and proffessional and gave us a running commentary on islands and history. Fast and efficient service.

Super Stewart Island

Lesley_W, Feb 2020
One of the highlights of my South Island holiday. We had a lovely smooth crossing the way over, then did the villages and bays coach trip, which was very worthwhile. Then had a drink in the pub and fish and chips from the Kai cart

Punctual and easy trip

peter_h, Feb 2020
Very comfortable and fast,great way to get to and from Stewart island, comfortable seating and good baggage handling

An hour well spent

sheilamaryharper, Feb 2020
The boat departed on time on both occasions. The staff were friendly and helpful and concerned for the well-being of passengers. The return journey was much smoother than the outward journey.

Happy traveller

Tourist31431620761, Nov 2019
The crew were very helpful with helping me on and off the boat. Lovely sailing both ways. Would definitely stay on Stewart Is next time. Had a great birthday long weekend. Thanks.

Disappointed

Sharon W, Aug 2019
Having spent $296 for the fare and $90 for a 5hr car we were 15mins late leaving then instead of a 1 hour trip was 1.5 hr each way. Couldnt do our trip to Ulva Island. :(

An unpredicted as it takes the...

MAISHIHAH_A, Jan 2018
An unpredicted as it takes the nature to determine the fate of the trip. As for us the trip to the island from Bluff was tough with the strong waves. But, it turned to be a smooth and pleasant one during our trip back to Bluff.

The sea was a little choppy the day...

Amanda C, Mar 2017
The sea was a little choppy the day we went but the captain steered the boat well and the crew were amazing with us unwell passengers, they were kind and went that extra mile.

Was a great trip, but had a few...

Jeff S, Apr 2016
Was a great trip, but had a few problems as the Ferry to Stewart Island Booking Office had not received a booking for us. Fortunately we had taken the voucher and there were two spaces we filled, but it would have been devastating for us had we not been able to travel to Stewart Island on that day. It may be of assistance to other travellers if you check to ensure bookings have been made by Viator.
Member Pricing
From

$77.39

per person
Was $81.47(-5%)

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 52 days in advance.

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