Getting to Stewart Island

There are two main ways to get to Stewart Island, depending on your starting point:

1. By Ferry from Bluff

To reach Stewart Island by ferry, follow these steps:

1. Start your journey in Bluff, a town located at the southern tip of New Zealand's South Island.

2. Drive or take public transportation to Bluff. If driving, there are several parking options available near the ferry terminal.

3. Arrive at the Bluff Ferry Terminal, located at Foveaux Strait. There are signs directing you to the terminal upon entering Bluff.

4. Purchase your ferry ticket. The ferry service provider for Stewart Island is Stewart Island Experience, and you can buy tickets at their office located at the terminal or book in advance online.

5. Check the ferry schedule to plan your departure time. The ferry takes approximately one hour to reach Stewart Island.

6. Follow the instructions provided by staff to board the ferry. There are storage areas for your luggage during the journey.

7. Enjoy the scenic journey across Foveaux Strait and keep a lookout for wildlife, such as dolphins and sea birds, along the way.

8. Arrive at Oban, the main settlement on Stewart Island, and disembark from the ferry.

9. Welcome to Stewart Island!

2. By Plane from Invercargill

To reach Stewart Island by plane, follow these steps:

1. Begin your journey in Invercargill, a city located in the Southland region of New Zealand's South Island.

2. Travel to Invercargill by driving, taking a bus, or flying from another destination within New Zealand.

3. Head to Invercargill Airport, which operates domestic flights to Stewart Island.

4. Check the flight schedule and book a ticket with Stewart Island Flights, the main air carrier for Stewart Island.

5. Arrive at the designated check-in area for your flight and go through the security screening process.

6. Listen to the announcements and follow the instructions provided by airport staff regarding boarding.

7. Board the aircraft and settle into your seat. The flight from Invercargill to Stewart Island takes around 20 minutes.

8. Enjoy the aerial views of the coastline and the Rakiura National Park as you fly to Stewart Island.

9. Land at Stewart Island's Ryan's Creek Aerodrome and disembark from the plane.

10. Welcome to Stewart Island!