Dates, Availability & Printable Version
Until 30 Sep 2025. $1350.00 per person. Minimum 2 passengers.
Click here to download your printable PDF version of the Explore Stewart Island Package valid until 30 Sep 2025.
4 days/3 nights Explore Stewart Island
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.
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 tour. On return to the motel you have the afternoon free to relax.
Day 2 | Ulva Island Tour* & Night time Kiwi spotting | (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. Experience a short cruise to Ulva Island. Along the way learn some Maori history and European settlement commentary. While on board, keep a lookout for fur seals, penguins and other wildlife, as sightings are common. Then disembark at Ulva Island for a guided walk with a nature guide. View rare plants and rich birdlife, including the inquisitive weka, which are often seen on the beach. Returning to the motel in the afternoon.
This evening we are in for a real treat with a night time Kiwi Spotting Tour. The tour will commence 30 minutes after dark and will give you the ultimately special opportunity to experience kiwi in their natural environment. We have access to private land where New Zealand’s precious kiwi come out at night to feed (weather dependent).
Day 3 | Paterson Inlet Cruise | (B)
Today depart on a Paterson Inlet cruise from Halfmoon Bay or Golden Bay, for a comprehensive journey exploring Paterson Inlet’s unique natural and Maori history, wildlife, aquaculture and scenery. Paterson Inlet is a haven for native New Zealand wildlife. You may see little Blue Penguins, Yellow Eyed Penguins, NZ Sea Lions, as well as a host of pelagic (ocean going) seabirds such as Mollymawks, Spotted Shags, Terns, Cormorant, Sooty Shearwaters, Giant & Cape Petrels. Enjoy your skipper’s commentary along the way. Arrive back at Halfmoon Bay or Golden Bay where you have the afternoon free to relax.
Day 4 | Stewart Island to Bluff | (B)
Today it is time to depart this paradise island and return to real life. Board the catamaran and enjoy the cruise across the Straight to Bluff.
*Return flights to Stewart Island are available at a surcharge.
Bay Motel Stewart Island
With panoramic views of the Tasman Sea, Bay Motel overlooks Halfmoon Bay on Stewart Island. All units have views of Half Moon Bay or the surrounding bush. Enjoy the view from your balcony, listening to the local birdlife.
Kaka Retreat Stewart Island
Kaka Retreat is a small, intimate accommodation complex surrounded by bush and native gardens with a relaxed atmosphere. Centrally located within the Oban Township and close to the ferry and flight terminals, restaurants and supermarket etc.
Tour Price:
Until 30 Sep 2025: $1350.00 Per Person on a Share Twin Basis.
Single Supplement: Additional $750.00 per person.
Surcharge for Kaka Retreat: From $40.00 per person / per night (Queen Studio).
Minimum 2 passengers.
*The Ulva Island tour program is subject to change depending on time of the year, access, availability & operational factors.
At times various operators on Stewart Island will not operate due to not reaching minimum numbers or operational issues. In these cases we will endeavour to find alternative activities which may not match the above itinerary. Surcharges may apply.
See below for full Terms and Conditions.
Printable Version:
Click here to download your printable PDF version of the Explore Stewart Island Package valid until 30 Sep 2025.
Tour Exclusions:
- Domestic Air Fares
- Additional/Optional Tour Costs
- Hotel Mini Bar
- Other Sightseeing & Meals not specified in Itinerary
Payment Terms & Conditions
A non-refundable deposit of $450 per person is required at the time of booking.
The balance of the package price is required 45 days prior to your travel date. If you book inside 45 days, full payment will be required at the time of booking. Payment can be made by bank transfer.
If you cancel between 31 and 45 days 30% of your tour cost will be charged. Cancellations less than 31 days of departure will incur a 100% cancellation charge.
Inspired New Zealand Tours recommends purchasing travel insurance, even when travelling within New Zealand.
Full terms and conditions are available here.
When a booking is made it is accepted that these are agreed to. They include the following: Itineraries are correct when initially published, however are subject to change due to circumstances outside our control. Flights are the responsibility of the passenger and Inspired New Zealand Tours takes no responsibility for costs involved for any changes to flights that might be required due to necessary amendments in itineraries.
