Discover Stewart Island

5 days/4 nights: Ex Bluff

Minimum 2 to guarantee departure

Price is based on return ferry ex Bluff. Surcharge for Flights : From $120.00 per person

Supplement Applies to upgrade to Stewart Island Lodge. POA

Stewart Island is a true nature’s paradise and offers a special experience - a glimpse into a simpler, slower lifestyle, in rhythm with the sea and the tides. 85% of the island’s 1570 square kilometres is a National Park – Rakiura National Park. Stewart Island also has a Dark Sky Sanctuary accreditation by the International Dark Sky Association. Whether you want to enjoy the land, sea and night-scapes, view the wildllife, walk, boat, fish, dive, kayak, hunt or just relax - a Stewart Island holiday is an experience that you will treasure for ever and a must-do experience.

- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information Day 1: Bluff to Stewart Island

Your journey starts in Bluff where you will board the Ferry to Stewart Island. Experience Foveaux Strait onboard an express catamaran. During the one-hour crossing on the Stewart Island Ferry between Bluff and Oban keep a lookout for wildlife, especially seabirds. Comprehensive commentaries provide information on the interesting landmarks commonly seen, including Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, the Titi Islands and Mt Anglem - Stewart Island’s highest point. After crossing Foveaux Strait and arriving at Oban – the main settlement on Stewart Island you will be transferred to the Bay Motel.
This afternoon explore Oban and the surrounding bays in a mini-bus tour. Experienced guides enjoy sharing their local knowledge of the history and environment of Stewart Island with you. Gain an insight into New Zealand’s southernmost community. Stewart Islanders are proud of their island, enjoying its simpler, slower pace. Highlights include Lee Bay, the gateway to Rakiura National Park and stunning views of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock during this 1 hour 30 minute tour. On return to the motel you have the afternoon free to relax. Day 2: Ulva Island Tour & Night time Kiwi Spotting Tour (B)

Ulva Island (Te Wharawhara), is renowned for its diverse and abundant birdlife with a forest dominated by Rimu, Southern Rata and Kamahi, surrounded by marine reserve. It was visited by Ngai Tahu Maori as part of their food gathering trips and in the 1890s it became one of New Zealand’s first reserves. This 267 hectare island is now predator free, allowing the bird and plantlife to thrive. Today you will be guided by a Stewart Island local, who has the knowledge and know how to take you through Ulva Island. You will be transferred to Ulva Island by water taxi before having an informative and interesting walk on this unique island. Returning to the motel around midday where you have the rest of the afternoon to relax and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.
At dusk depart from Stewart Island's Halfmoon Bay in a catamaran for a cruise across Paterson Inlet to Little Glory Cove. During the cruise, pass Ulva Island and learn about Stewart Island's rich history. Once at Little Glory Cove, disembark onto a wharf at the southern part of the peninsula known as The Neck. The walk, led by your nature guide, is on a well-formed track across the peninsula, through spectacular coastal forest to a secluded sandy beach. As dusk sets in and daylight diminishes, venture by torchlight through the native forest with the stars and forest night sounds around you. The walk will take about 45 minutes one-way and the track emerges on to Ocean Beach. This wide sandy beach is where kiwi are often found feeding among the grasses and seaweed. Afterwards retrace your steps through the forest to Little Glory Wharf for your catamaran ride back to Oban township on Stewart Island. Day 3: Paterson Inlet Cruise (B)

Today depart on a 4hr cruise from Halfmoon Bay, via Harrold's Bay, Ackers Point, and Ringaringa passage. Pass Ulva Island then carry on for a combination tour of the historic Whaler's Base and The Neck, the Big Glory Marine Farms, including any Wildlife spotting opportunities along the way. (Order of sites at skipper discretion). Arrive back at Halfmoon Bay by 2pm where you have the rest of the afternoon free to relax. Day 4: Free day to explore (B)

Today is at leisure to relax or get active amongst nature. Visit the museum, walk the short tracks, stroll around the bush clad streets – so much to see. Get on a bike – push yourself or grab an electric one. Explore the beaches or get crafty by creating your own pendant out of pounamu (greenstone) with Dave at Rakiura Jade. Hire a kayak and explore the bays in this pristine natures playground. Day 5: Stewart Island to Bluff (B)

Today it is time to depart this paradise island and return to real life. Board the catamaran and for your cruise across