Our favourite kind of island hopping experience is one where the journey itself is just as much fun as the destination. When you’re catching the ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island, you’re in for surprises every step of the way!
Stewart Island is one of the most beautiful natural eco-tourism hotspots in the world. This corner of New Zealand offers a glimpse of some of the country’s richest flora and fauna, with all kinds of experiences tucked into this island destination. Rich in family-friendly options, this is an easy place to lose track of time as you drink in beauty in all directions.
This is one of the best places in the world to make those precious family memories. Whether you choose to kick back on one of Stewart Island’s beaches, make the most of the island’s hiking trails, watch the sunset from the lookout, or taste-test your way through the best fish and chips the island has to offer, each day can be packed with fresh adventure that puts a smile on every family member’s face.
Before you reach the island itself, the ferry transfer offers a route that’s going to kick your adventure off with a brilliant start. It’s time to pack the binoculars – there’s so much to see in this special part of the world.
What’s the route like from Bluff to Stewart Island?
Your Stewart Island adventure begins in Bluff, a cosy portside town that makes for the perfect jumping-off point. Here, you’ll step onto an express catamaran that will take you across the heart of the Foveaux Strait. It’s just a one-hour crossing to reach Stewart Island, but that hour will be packed to the brim with wildlife sightings and breathtaking natural scenery. Plus, the catamarans are so comfortable that you may find yourself wishing the trip was even longer by the time you’ve settled in!
You can also enjoy the commentaries from our seasoned ferry experts, providing tourists with friendly insights into landmarks you’ll cross along the way, like the Titi Islands, Ruapuke Island, Dog Island Lighthouse, and more.
Stewart Island’s Maori name, Rakiura, means ‘land of the glowing skies’ – and that’s a great way to give you a taste of what’s to come, with this incredible skyline lighting up at sunset and sunrise. While the sun’s high in the sky, there are even more opportunities to soak in the beauty of this corner of the world, with Stewart Island offering the ideal habitat for natural flora and fauna to flourish in a protected conservation environment.
What should you bring for your ferry trip from Bluff to Stewart Island?
This route is certainly packed full of adventure, but that doesn’t mean you need to pack heavy yourself. To make the most of your crossing, it’s best to wear comfortable non-slip shoes or boots, pack a warm jacket in case you’re met with a chilly ride, lather up with sunscreen, and keep your camera close at hand.
You never know when you’ll need to pull it back out to grab unforgettable shots of the albatrosses that like to dance in the ferry’s wake!
Preparing for your trip to Stewart Island
You can make sure the whole family is ready for adventure by booking your route from Bluff to Stewart Island in advance. Here, you can find everything you need to know about the ferry, including ticket prices, departure schedules, and booking options.
With reduced tickets for kids under 15 years, free tickets for infants and children under 5 years, and luggage included in your ticket, you’ve got everything you need to plan an affordable and family-friendly excursion to Stewart Island. Get ready to set sail!
