We are operating all experiences under Alert Level 1 protocols. Face masks are required on the Stewart Island Ferry. Find out more >
Our pages should provide you with all the information you need to make a decision or plan your trip.
We've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please contact us directly.
From Queenstown to Bluff by car takes around 3 hrs 5 mins and from Dunedin approximately 3 hrs 30 minutes. For more information refer to our Travel Information (and driving times) webpage.
No, we only carry passengers and light freight on the ferry services between Bluff and Stewart Island. Rental cars and motor scooters are available for hire from our Oban Visitor Centre.
Yes, most places on Stewart Island have EFTPOS and credit card facilities. There is an ATM/money machine at the "4 Square" shop on Stewart Island however it is only possible to withdraw cash with a NZ bank card. There are no banks on the island itself and the nearest bank is located at Invercargill.
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.
At present, we are unable to offer wheelchair access. Please contact us to discuss your options
Yes, day and overnight vehicle parking is located adjacent to the Bluff Visitor Terminal (extra cost) for visitors taking the ferry to Stewart Island. Parking is available for cars, campervans, bicycles, motorcycles, boat trailers and coaches. This is an airport-style parking facility, so you collect a ticket on entry and pay when you leave. Vehicle parking cannot be booked in advance. Prices for parking and additional baggage can be found on the "More Info" tab of our Stewart Island Ferry page.
There is an ATM/money machine in Bluff's "4 Square" shop however it is only possible to withdraw cash with a NZ bank card. You can purchase your ferry tickets at the Bluff Visitor Terminal using both EFTPOS and Credit Cards. The nearest bank is located at Invercargill.
Yes, we offer coach transfers between 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 most Invercargill accommodation properties and the Invercargill i-Site Visitor Centre.
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.
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. Please ensure your contact details are provided at the time of booking so that we can contact you to advise of any delays or cancellations.
There are 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.
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