Stewart Island

Things to Do in Stewart Island New Zealand

Stewart Island New Zealand (Te Punga o Te Waka) – the southernmost island of New Zealand, stretching 64 km in length and 40 km in width at its widest point. Despite having a 700 km coastline, the island only has 20 km of roads. To reach the island, there is a daily ferry service that departs twice a day, as well as a plane service that flies three times a day.

Due to its size, walking around the island in a day is impossible, and even ten days of tramping won’t take you beyond the northern third.

Things to Do in Stewart Island New Zealand: There are plenty of things to explore, even near the only settlement of Oban. You can plan a day trip or a longer stay as many accommodations are available. The island is well-known for its birdlife, including species like Kiwi.

Experience Te Punga o Te Waka

  • New Zealand’s third-largest island
  • Flying from Invercargill to Stewart Island is a convenient option
  • Explore Raikura National Park
  • Oban is Stewart Island’s main settlement
  • Unforgettable experience of watching wild kiwi birds.

You´ll ❤️ these great things to see & do…

  • Catch a water taxi from Stewart Island to the Ulva Island wildlife sanctuary
  • Watch wild kiwi foraging on a sandy beach at dusk
  • Hike on a rainforest trail in the wilderness of Rakiura National Park
  • Dine on the freshest of local seafood
  • Dive the marine reserve Paterson Inlet
  • Kayak in pristine waters around the stunning Stewart Island coastline

Getting to Stewart Island

Travel to Stewart Island by Plane

Invercargill Airport offers domestic flights to Christchurch and Wellington with Air New Zealand. Flights to Stewart Island take approximately 20 minutes; options include flying from Invercargill and landing on a Stewart Island beach.
Book a Flight to Stewart Island (click here to make a booking)

Travel to Stewart Island by Ferry

Stewart Island is a one-hour boat trip from Bluff. Charters and water taxis operate around the island.

Coach Services to the Region

Invercargill is located at the southern end of SH 1.
Coach companies provide scheduled services to the region.

  • Christchurch to Invercargill [579 km; 8 hr 15 min]
  • Dunedin to Invercargill [217 km; 3 hr 5 min]
  • Queenstown to Invercargill [187 km; 2 hr 40 min]
  • Invercargill to Te Anau [152 km; 2 hr 10 min]
  • Invercargill to Bluff [30 km; 25 min]
  • Invercargill to Gore [66 km; 55 min]

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Useful Stewart Island New Zealand Resources

Find Your Perfect Activity

Village and Bays Tour: Discover the Stewart Island ‘s Coastal Charm

Oban Visitor Centre Red Shed, Stewart Island Wildlife & Beaches Nature

90 minutes

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Village and Bays Tour is a scenic journey that takes you through picturesque villages, stunning coastal bays, and vibrant local communities. Immerse yourself in New Zealand’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm as you explore hidden gems, enjoy panoramic views, and learn about the history and lifestyle of the area. This tour

Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary Half-Day Guided Walk

Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary, Southland Active & Adventure

3.5-4 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary Half-Day Guided Walk is an unforgettable experience that immerses you in one of New Zealand’s most pristine and predator-free sanctuaries. Located off the coast of Stewart Island, Ulva Island is a haven for rare and endangered bird species, native plants, and unique wildlife. This guided walk provides fascinating insights into

Evening Kiwi Spotting Tour: New Zealand’s Iconic Nighttime Birdlife

Oban township, Stewart Island Wildlife & Beaches

2-3 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Evening Kiwi Spotting Tour offers a unique and exciting opportunity to see New Zealand’s iconic kiwi bird in its natural habitat. This guided night tour takes you through lush native forests and conservation areas, giving you the chance to spot these elusive nocturnal creatures in the wild. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone

Classic Motorcycle Mecca Admission

Classic Motorcycle Mecca, Stewart Island Heritage & Art

1.5 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

The Classic Motorcycle Mecca is New Zealand’s premier destination for motorcycle enthusiasts, showcasing an impressive collection of classic and vintage motorcycles. Located in the heart of Taupō, this museum offers a unique opportunity to explore over 100 years of motorcycling history, featuring rare bikes, iconic brands, and interactive displays. Perfect for history buffs, motorcycle fans,

Village & Bay Tours Stewart Island

12 Elgin Terrace, The Red Shed, Oban, New Zealand Nature Family & Kids City Tours

90 minutes

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Explore Oban and the surrounding bays in our modern mini-buses. Our guides take great pleasure in sharing their local knowledge of Stewart Island’s history and environment. Gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand’s southernmost community. Stewart Islanders are proud of their island, enjoying its simpler, slower pace. During your tour, there is plenty of time

Ulva Island Birds & Forest Tour, Stewart Island

14 Main Road, Oban, New Zealand Wildlife & Beaches Nature Active & Adventure

3.5-4 hours

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover the Magic of Ulva Island with Stewart Island Tours Step back in time and experience New Zealand as it once was. Our Stewart Island Tours take you to the heart of Ulva Island, a world-renowned sanctuary located within Paterson Inlet. Just an eight-minute water taxi ride from Golden Bay, this 269-hectare treasure is managed

Paterson Inlet Cruise, Stewart Island

14 Main Road, Oban, New Zealand Boat Cruises & Water Activities

Flexible

Price:Included In Your Tour Package

Discover Stewart Island by Water: Paterson Inlet Cruise & Ulva Island Guided Walk Experience the best of Stewart Island from the water with a leisurely cruise through the stunning Paterson Inlet. This scenic Stewart Island boat tour includes a visit to Ulva Island, an internationally acclaimed open wildlife sanctuary known for its thriving native birdlife

Stewart Island Day Tour

Departs from Bluff Wildlife & Beaches

Day Tour

Price:Included in Tour Package

Its densely forested hills and untouched coastline of rocky outcrops and creamy golden sand beaches make it a haven for native marine and bird life. Vivid dawn and twilight hues give rise to the island’s Maori name, Rakiura – land of the glowing skies. Cruise to Stewart Island on our modern catamarans. Regular ferry services