What accommodation is available on Stewart Island?
There is a range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets - from backpackers, self contained units, bed & breakfasts, motels and luxury lodge. Visit www.stewartisland.co.nz for more information on all accommodation providers or visit the Stewart Island Lodge website.
How long does it take to get to Stewart Island on the Ferry?
The ferry crossing between Bluff and Stewart Island takes one hour. The ferry travels at an average of 20 knots and the distance of Foveaux Strait is 22 nautical miles or approximately 39 kms. Toilet facilities, refreshments and complimentary tea and coffee are available on board. Our ferries are a non-smoking service. During the journey, keep a lookout for wildlife, especially seabirds.
Is there car parking / storage in Bluff?
Yes, secure outdoor vehicle storage is available in Bluff (extra cost), adjacent to the Bluff Visitor Terminal. Storage is available for cars, campervans, bicycles, motorcycles, boat trailers and coaches. Bookings are not essential for parking, but are recommended. If you have any enquiries regarding parking, please contact our Reservations via email: info@sie.co.nz
Are there short walks around Stewart Island?
Yes, there are many short and long walks on Stewart Island. Contact the Department of Conservation (DoC) for more detailed information.
I'm interested in a multi-day hike/tramp on Stewart Island - how can I find out more information?
Visit the Department of Conservation (DoC) website for more detailed information. You can purchase hut passes and maps from the Doc Visitor Information Centre on Stewart Island.
Can I take my car to Stewart Island?
No, we only carry passengers and light freight on the ferry services between Bluff and Stewart Island. Rental cars, motor scooters and mountain bikes are available for hire from our Oban Visitor Centre.
Does the ferry have wheelchair access?
Yes. Please notify us beforehand to ensure we can assist you.
Is there a coach service that connects with the ferry?
Yes, we offer coach transfers between Queenstown, Te Anau, Invercargill and Bluff (extra cost). The Invercargill – Bluff coach service operates for each ferry departure and arrival. Pick-ups and drop-offs are available from four locations in Invercargill:
For visitors wishing to travel between Te Anau or Queenstown and Bluff, coach connections depart daily (commencing late October - late April) from Real Journeys Visitor Centres.
How can I get from Invercargill airport to Bluff to catch the ferry?
We operate a coach transfer service from Invercargill to Bluff, connecting with each ferry sailing. If you need to be collected or dropped off at Invercargill Airport, please let us know at the time of your booking.
When I get to Bluff, how do I find the ferry terminal?
As Bluff is a small town, you will easily find the clearly sign posted ferry terminal.
I have my own car, how long does it take to drive from Invercargill to Bluff?
It takes approximately 30 minutes to drive directly from Invercargill to Bluff.
What time do we need to check in?
For visitors travelling on the Stewart Island Ferry Service, you are required to check in 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time (to allow for luggage loading, etc). The check in and boarding gates are closed 10 minutes prior to scheduled ferry departure. For all our cruises and tours, check in is required 20 minutes prior to the schedule departure.
How rough does it have to be before you cancel the sailing?
Stewart Island Experience's vessels are specially designed to operate on Foveaux Strait. We are committed to providing visitors with a safe and comfortable crossing. If, on rare occasions, a scheduled departure is cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, visitors will be rebooked onto a later trip or refunded in full.
Where is the nearest ATM/money machine in Bluff?
There is no ATM/money machine in Bluff or on Stewart Island, however you can purchase your ferry tickets at the Bluff Visitor Terminal using both EFTPOS and Credit Cards. The nearest bank is located at Invercargill.
Can you use your EFTPOS card on Stewart Island?
Yes, most places on Stewart Island have EFTPOS and credit card facilities. But there are no banks or ATMs on the island itself.
Can I buy food on Stewart Island?
Yes, there is a general grocery store, cafés and restaurants and a Kai cart (take-aways summer only).
What sort of birds will we see on Ulva Island?
The bird life on Ulva Island and Stewart Island is of exceptional interest, not only because of the presence of high profile species such as weka, wood pigeon, Stewart Island Robin and kaka, but also because Stewart Island and its small outliers provide a refuge for a range of less well-known birds, among them the NZ dotterel, South Island saddleback, Rifleman, Oystercatcher and the red and yellow-crowned parakeet.
Will I see a kiwi?
Stewart Island offers the best opportunity anywhere in New Zealand for viewing kiwi in the wild but it is uncommon to see them in populated areas. If you happen to come across a kiwi, stay still and watch. Please do not approach them within 5 metres or disturb them.
How do I find out about weather conditions on Stewart Island?
The weather on Stewart Island is changeable and generally milder than the South Island. While it receives 210 rain days per year mostly this is in the form of showers separated by fine breaks. The mean daily maximum temperature in summer is 17 degrees celcius and 10 degrees in the winter. Westerly winds predominate. To find out up-to-date weather conditions, visit the Department of Conservation website.
What other activities and sightseeing are available?
There is a huge range of activities available on Stewart Island, from kayaking, fishing trips, golf, walking tracks and more. To find out more information and to make bookings, we operate the Oban Visitor Centre. The Department of Conservation (DoC) also operates a Visitor Information Centre and can provide more information on walking tracks and activities.
Is Stewart Island worthwhile for a day trip?
Yes, there are many activities you can fit into one day on Stewart Island. We have provided two suggested itineraries which may be of assistance.
Will my New Zealand mobile work on Stewart Island?
Telecom mobile phones will work in the main township of Oban and some surrounding areas.
How can I get around Oban?
We offer a range of rental vehicles for visitors - cars, motor scooters and mountain bikes - to find out more, visit the Rental Vehicle section. We also operate mini-bus transfers, convenient connections between the ferry terminal, accommodation, walking tracks and other visitor destinations (must be pre-booked, extra cost). To enquire about this service, please contact our reservations team: info@sie.co.nz. Some accommodation providers on the island offer a pick-up service from the ferry terminal for their guests. Although there is street lighting and the town is compact, it is useful to carry a torch at night.
What sort of shopping can I do on Stewart Island?
Stewart Island is not the place for a shopping spree as there is a very small range of shops - from small gift shops with locally produced items to the general store for groceries and fresh food.
How can I find my way around Oban and Stewart Island?
Complimentary maps are available for visitors - you can collect this map from the Ferry Terminals in both Bluff and on Stewart Island, the DoC Visitor Centre and other outlets on the island.
Where can I access the internet on Stewart Island?
Internet access is available at the South Sea Hotel, Stewart Island Backpackers and in summer, also at the Just Cafe.
Are there medical services available Stewart Island?
If you require medical attention, you can contact the Stewart Island Health Centre. The clinic hours are 10.30am - 12.30pm daily. 24 hours on call. Telephone +64 3 219 1098. Located on Argyle Street, Oban, Stewart Island.
Is there a police station on Stewart Island?
Yes, the police are located on Golden Bay Road and View Street. Telephone +64 3 219 0020.
I often suffer from seasickness - what can you suggest to help me?
Here's a few handy hints to help motion sickness: Ginger is known to contain properties to alleviate nausea. It is available in a number of different forms - from tablets, powder and capsules, which are sold at pharmacies and supermarkets. These need to be taken before your trip, sometimes a few hours before travelling. Other recommendations to reduce motion sickness include not travelling on an empty stomach, as gastric juices can promote nausea. Whilst on the ferry, if possible, sit outside on the back deck to breathe fresh air. Look out to the horizon, rather than looking at the boat's movement in the water.
