Combo (Save 5%): Stewart Island Ferry + Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter
Duration
Free cancellation
Guided tour
Transfers available
4.8/5(112)
Mike C
Izelle S
Rowan-atarangi C
Sally L
Elizabeth A
Anne H
- Explore Stewart Island in one day — scenic ferry ride, sunset wildlife cruise, and kiwi spotting adventure.
- Sail across Foveaux Strait on the Stewart Island ferry, cruise to Little Glory Cove at sunset, and explore the island’s natural beauty.
- Enjoy up-close encounters with native wildlife, including the elusive southern‑brown kiwi, guided by expert nature guides.
Stewart Island ferry
- One-way ferry transfer to Stewart Island
- Live commentary
- Complimentary coffee or tea
Stewart Island wild kiwi encounter
- 4 to 4.5-hour Stewart Island wild kiwi experience
- Sunset marine cruise from Oban to Little Glory Cove
- Kiwi spotting at Little Glory Cove
- Return cruise to Oban from Little Glory Cove
- Complimentary hot beverages onboard
- Expert nature guide
- Guided 2-hour evening & night walk
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
- 112 reviews4.8
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
9116401
Guests from Australia, United Kingdom, United States and over 15 countries have loved this experienceWhat our guests say
LLaris B
CoupleVerified booking2 weeks ago4/5Good transfer, not cheap thoughMMike C
GroupVerified bookingJun 20265/5Friendly and professional service provided by all staff,informative info from ferry skippers etc pleasure to deal with,easy dealing with fishing gear and firearms etc.SSally L
CoupleVerified bookingApr 20264/5The ferry is just a means of getting there but really enjoyed our tour of the island and learnt so much from Bevan about the island which we wouldn't have learnt otherwise - a most interesting 90 minutesVVirginia S
GroupVerified bookingMay 20265/5Efficient helpful. Sea calm but not much to see in way of wild life during the journey.RRowan-atarangi C
SoloVerified bookingApr 20265/5We had a lovely experience, very great ferry ride! The views are gorgeous, you can sit in a seat or stand out the back and watch the ocean. Dropping off and collecting luggage is also incredibly efficient!
Wildlife encounters and scenic ferry views — your full Stewart Island adventure in one seamless, great-value package.
Getting started
Your combo ticket includes a comfortable express ferry transfer from Bluff to Stewart Island plus access to the Wild Kiwi Encounter. Just show your ticket at check‑in — no extra booking needed.
What to expect
Stewart Island ferry
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Scenic Strait crossing: A 1‑hour ferry ride across the Foveaux Strait with stunning coastal views, historic island landmarks and live commentary.
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Wildlife spotting & seabirds: Watch for seabirds such as albatrosses, muttonbirds and possibly dolphins or seals during the journey.
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Comfort onboard: Enjoy complimentary hot drinks (tea or coffee) during the ride, a relaxing and welcoming start (or end) to your island adventure.
Stewart Island wild kiwi encounter
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Sunset cruise & nature cruise: Depart Oban and glide across Paterson Inlet to Little Glory Cove on a scenic marine cruise, prime time for spotting seabirds, penguins or seals.
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Guided night walk by torchlight: After dusk, follow an expert nature guide on a 2‑hour walk through coastal forest and along a sandy beach in search of the elusive southern‑brown kiwi (Rakiura tokoeka) in its natural habitat.
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Intimate group size & local insight: Small groups and knowledgeable guides enhance your chance to observe kiwi and understand their behaviour, habitat and conservation efforts.
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Hot drinks & comfort: Complimentary hot beverages onboard, perfect to warm up after the walk and enjoy under the stars.
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What to bring
Stewart Island ferry
- Bring sunscreen, camera, water, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, and a waterproof jacket for this experience.
- Pack your motion sickness medicines just in case they’re not available onsite.
- Bring local currency or your preferred payment method for meals, souvenirs, and extra delights not covered by the ticket.
Stewart Island wild kiwi encounter
- Wear sturdy walking shoes as this experience requires walking through uneven and muddy terrain.
- Bring a warm jacket as the temperature can get cooler in the evenings.
- Pack your medications, just in case they’re not available onsite.
What’s not allowed
Stewart Island wild kiwi encounter
- Flash photography is not allowed in this experience.
- This experience is restricted for guests below the age of 15.
Accessibility
Stewart Island ferry
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
Stewart Island wild kiwi encounter
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- This experience requires a moderate level of fitness, as it involves a 2-hour guided walk through forest and along beaches.
- This experience is not suitable for pregnant women and guests with heart or other medical issues.
Additional information
Stewart Island ferry
- Guests can carry two bags and one small carry bag per person.
- The one-way ferry lasts 1 hour.
- The one-way ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island departs at 9:45am, 1:45pm, 4:30pm, & 5:15pm, whereas the one-way ferry from Stewart Island to Bluff departs at 8am, 12:15pm, 3pm, & 3:30pm.
Stewart Island wild kiwi encounter
- This experience can accommodate up to a maximum of 16 people.
- Snacks are available on board the cruise for purchase.
100% ticket guarantee
Receive tickets on time, for the experience you've booked.
100% experience guarantee
Get a refund if your experience doesn't happen as promised.
100% assistance guarantee
Available before, during, and after your trip.
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