Boat Tours in Stewart Island

Stewart Island, New Zealand's third largest island and also known as Rakiura, sits just across Foveaux Strait from Bluff, reachable only by boat or a short flight. Our Stewart Island boat tours cover the ferry crossing, Paterson Inlet cruises, a historic whaling site and water taxi access to the island's walking tracks.

The Ferry Across Foveaux Strait

The Stewart Island Ferry and Stewart Island Ferry to Bluff cover the one hour crossing in either direction, the main gateway onto and off the island for most visitors.

Cruising Paterson Inlet and the Historic Whalers Base

The Paterson Inlet Cruise explores the sheltered waterway behind Halfmoon Bay, while the Guided Boat Tour of the Historic Whalers Base visits the site once used by the Ross Sea Whaling Company of Norway as a base for expeditions into the Antarctic seas, with guides bringing the relics and stories back to life.

Water Taxi Access to the Rakiura Track

For trampers heading onto the Rakiura Great Walk, the Freedom Walk Port William with Rakiura Charters and Water Taxi departs Halfmoon Bay with full commentary before dropping walkers at the start of a three to five hour hike, and the Freedom Walk with Rakiura Charters and Water Taxi offers a further water taxi option for independent trampers.

Wild Kiwi Encounters by Boat

The Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounters tour pairs a small group cruise with a guided walk to Little Glory Cove, one of the few places in New Zealand offering a real chance to see the southern brown kiwi in the wild. Independent walkers can also add the Stewart Island Guided Wilderness Walk to explore the island's native bush on foot.

Why Book Your Stewart Island Boat Tour with Everything New Zealand

We are your local travel partner across Rakiura, not the operator, so we only list boat tours we would genuinely recommend to family and friends. Compare the ferry, Paterson Inlet cruises and water taxi options side by side, book online in a few minutes and get instant confirmation. Less scrolling, more strolling, straight onto the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Stewart Island ferry take? The Stewart Island Ferry crosses Foveaux Strait between Bluff and Stewart Island in about one hour.

What is the historic whalers base near Stewart Island? Paterson Inlet was once used by the Ross Sea Whaling Company of Norway as a base for whaling expeditions into the Antarctic seas, now visited on a guided boat tour.

Can I see kiwi in the wild on Stewart Island? Yes, the Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounters tour combines a small group cruise with a guided walk to Little Glory Cove, one of the more reliable spots to see southern brown kiwi.

Do I need a water taxi to walk the Rakiura Track? Many trampers use a water taxi such as the Freedom Walk Port William to reach the start of a walking leg rather than covering the full track on foot.

Why is Stewart Island also called Rakiura? Rakiura means the isle of glowing skies, a reference to the sunsets and aurora sometimes visible from the island's southern latitude.