Everything about a Stewart Island trip starts and ends on the water, a crossing of Foveaux Strait to get there, then a string of gentle cruises once you land to explore the bays, bird sanctuaries and forests that make Rakiura so special. Whether you want a calm scenic potter with the kids or a proper wildlife spotting mission after dark, there is a Stewart Island cruise for the whole family here.
The crossing itself
The Stewart Island Ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island is rated low fitness and low intensity, a 1 hour crossing across Foveaux Strait with complimentary tea and coffee and commentary on the landmarks along the way. Child fares apply from 5 to 15 years and infants under 4 travel at their own reduced fare too, making the ferry itself a proper part of the family adventure rather than just a means to an end.
A gentle cruise to a bird sanctuary
The Ulva Island Explorer Cruise and Guided Walk sails across Paterson Inlet on a modern catamaran, keeping watch for fur seals and penguins, then stops at predator free Ulva Island for a 45 minute guided walk among rare birdlife. It is an easy pace start to finish, the kind of cruise where nobody needs to sit still the whole way.
A cruise with a wilder walk attached
The Stewart Island Wilderness Walk with Cruise pairs a scenic boat ride with exclusive access to Oneke, The Neck, for a guided walk through native forest and along rugged headlands. Rated moderate fitness and low intensity, it suits families with older kids keen for a bit more adventure, and it only runs between December and March, so plan ahead.
An evening cruise in search of kiwi
The Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter combines a scenic evening cruise across sheltered water with a torchlit forest walk hunting for the wild southern brown kiwi, with tea and coffee served on board. It is a genuine highlight, but this cruise is restricted to guests aged 15 and over, so it is one for the family's teenagers rather than younger kids, and it operates October to April only.
Frequently asked questions
Do kids get a discounted ferry fare?
Yes. Child fares apply for ages 5 to 15, and infants aged 0 to 4 travel on the ferry at a further reduced fare, with the crossing itself rated low fitness and low intensity.
Which cruise is gentlest for younger kids?
The Ulva Island Explorer Cruise and Guided Walk keeps an easy pace throughout, a relaxed sail with a short guided walk rather than a longer hike.
Can young children join the Wild Kiwi Encounter cruise?
No. This particular cruise is restricted to travellers aged 15 and over given the late night timing, so it suits teens rather than younger children.
Do we need to book the return ferry separately?
Yes. The Bluff to Stewart Island ferry is a one way fare, and the return crossing from Stewart Island back to Bluff needs to be booked as a separate ticket.
Which months do the wilderness walk and kiwi cruises run?
The Wilderness Walk with Cruise operates December to March, while the Wild Kiwi Encounter runs a little longer, from October through to April.
Local tip: book your Bluff ferry crossing well ahead in peak summer months, sailings are weather dependent and fill up fast once school holidays hit.
Book your Stewart Island cruises above and let the whole family explore Rakiura by water.