Stewart Island: Ferry Service Between Bluff & Stewart Island
About This Experience
Cross the Foveaux Strait, a seaway that separates Stewart Island from the South Island, on board an express catamaran. The one-hour ferry ride provides all-year …
Who It Suits and What to Know
RealNZ’s express catamaran crosses Foveaux Strait between Bluff and Oban in about an hour, with scheduled daily sailings all year. Rated 4.6 from 290 reviews. Seabirds, mollymawks among them, often follow the boat.
Who it suits: anyone crossing to Stewart Island by sea on a schedule, with luggage and the option of a coach from Invercargill. Who should look elsewhere: travellers prone to seasickness who would rather take Stewart Island Flights’ 20-minute flight from Invercargill, and anyone needing wheelchair access, which RealNZ’s own page says it cannot offer (call RealNZ first).
What to know before you book:
- Luggage. The ferry company’s own page gives the allowance as two checked bags plus one small carry-on a person; additional luggage by prior arrangement.
- On board. Complimentary tea and coffee, and a commentary past Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, the Tītī Islands and Mount Anglem.
- Parking. At the Bluff Visitor Terminal, extra cost: take a ticket on the way in, pay on the way out.
- No cars. Passengers only; hire a car, van or e-bike in Oban.
- Check-in. 30 minutes before; gates close 10 minutes before.
The price is from US$78 a person (checked October 2026), with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. The ferry guide has the timetable.
Highlights
- Take a comfortable and scenic one-hour ferry any time of the year
- Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee on board
- Look out for wildlife, particularly sea birds, such as Mollymawks and Titis, which often follow the vessel
- Listen to comprehensive commentaries that provide information on interesting landmarks commonly seen
- See Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, the Titi Islands and Mount Anglem - Stewart Island’s highest point
What's Included
- ✓ Complimentary tea and coffee on board
- ✓ Two bags per person
- ✓ Wheelchair access
- ✓ Commentary
Not Included
- Fees for additional baggage (by prior arrangement)
- Parking fees (parking available at Bluff Visitor Terminal)
Good to Know
- RealNZ's luggage allowance on the ferry is two checked bags plus one small carry-on per person
- If you have additional baggage, please make arrangements with the company in advance. This service is not available on all ferry departures, due to the size of the vessel and the limited cargo space available
- Vehicle parking at Bluff Visitor Terminal is available for an extra charge
- Parking is available for cars, boat trailers, coaches, camper vans, motorcycles and bicycles
- This is an airport-style parking facility, so you collect a ticket on entry and pay when you leave
