Stewart Island Ferry

Cross the Foveaux Strait on a comfortable express catamaran, enjoying stunning coastal views, fascinating history, and spot unique wildlife.

On board experience

Cross the wild waters of Foveaux Strait on the Stewart Island Ferry. With stunning coastal views, a chance to spot diverse wildlife, and tidbits of local history, this ferry ride will give you a peek into Stewart Island’s remote beauty and maritime heritage.

Getting started

Check-in at the Stewart Island Experience Visitor Terminal at 21 Foreshore Road, Bluff, before boarding your express catamaran. Set sail from this coastal gateway for a scenic one-hour ferry ride across Foveaux Strait.

What to expect

Scenic ferry journey: Cross Foveaux Strait, the waterway separating Stewart Island from the South Island, aboard a fast and comfortable express catamaran.

Wildlife spotting & seabirds: Keep your eyes on the horizon for wildlife , from soaring mollymawks (a type of albatross) to other seabirds following the ferry.

Live commentary & iconic sights: Listen to onboard commentary about landmarks like Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, the Titi Islands, and Mount Anglem—Stewart Island’s highest peak.

Relax & enjoy a warm drink: Sip on a complimentary tea or coffee as you take in the views of Stewart Island’s rugged coastline and the Southern Ocean.

Wrapping up

Disembark at Oban, Stewart Island’s only town, where you can explore Rakiura National Park, spot native kiwi, or soak in the island’s remote charm. Once done exploring, you can always take the return ferry to Bluff.