Stewart Island Ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island
Highlights & inclusions
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August 2026
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What you can expect
Travel over to New Zealand's southernmost island aboard the Stewart Island Ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island. Departing from the charming port town of Bluff, the Stewart Island Ferry journey takes you across the Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island, known for its rugged landscapes, sandy beaches and abundant wildlife. You can visit Stewart Island for just one day, or spend a few days there to enjoy the slower pace of island-living.
Booking the one-hour ferry ride from Bluff to Stewart Island is easy. Simply select your preferred date and time, and secure your spot on the ferry to this remote paradise. You will need to make a separate booking for the return ferry from Stewart Island back to Bluff.
Whether you're looking to explore the island's hiking trails, go birdwatching, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, a Stewart Island Ferry ride is the best way to start your adventure.
Don't miss the opportunity to visit Stewart Island, a hidden gem and New Zealand's third largest island. Book your Bluff to Stewart Island ferry today and discover the natural beauty and tranquility of this unique New Zealand destination.
Location
What you need to know
- RealNZ is going cashless on all food and beverage purchases in experience.
- This means that all food and beverage purchases aboard our vessels in Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown, and Te Anau, as well as at Walter Peak and the Manapouri Café, will no longer accept cash. A cashless system will provide a smoother, more efficient experience for both our guests and staff.
- Our payment terminals accept all major credit cards and debit cards, including AMEX, WeChat Pay, AliPay and Union Pay, as well as contactless payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- Note: Fee of 1.5% applies to food and beverage purchases by credit card only. The fee does not apply to purchases in Retail Store at Walter Peak, or merchandise purchased from our Visitor Centres.
- One-way ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island
- Coach transfers to Bluff
- Return ferry from Stewart Island back to Bluff
- This experience takes place from Bluff, New Zealand
- The ferry departs Bluff at 9:45am, 1:45pm & 5:15pm in summer (9:45am & 4:30pm only in winter)
- Passengers are required to check-in to the Bluff Visitor Terminals 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Check-in and boarding gates are closed 15 minutes before scheduled ferry departure times
- The limit is a maximum of two small carry-on pieces of luggage per person. Other luggage (and extra goods by arrangement) are carried in freight boxes, and must be checked in 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time (at additional cost).
- Car parking is available in Bluff adjacent to the ferry terminal, suitable for cars, coaches and motor homes and boat trailers
- Meals, coach connections, flights, overnight cruises, underwater observatory and departures other than those listed are not included
- Stewart Island Experience reserve the right to amend timetables, substitute plant or equipment and alter ticket prices at any time
- Stewart Island Experience departures are weather/sea conditions dependent
- Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
- Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
- Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control. We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
- Prices are seasonal and are constantly changing. The from price displayed may not always be the price you are going to pay, as once you click on your specified date, the price will change to reflect the price for that date/season. Please note that in some cases where you cannot click on a date to obtain the price, please call us so we can assist you
