We love this island escape for its scenic ferry ride, coastal views and incredible birdlife. Explore Stewart Island by minibus, wander through Ulva Island&rsquo;s protected sanctuary and enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the harbour!

At least 24 hours before departure: Refunds are available when cancellation notification is received at least 24 hours before departure, New Zealand time

<ul>
	<li>Vehicle parking fees in Bluff</li>
	<li>Personal expenses</li>
	<li>Personal medication, including medication for asthma and allergies</li>
</ul>

The Foveaux Strait crossing offers opportunities to spot marine wildlife along the way, so keep an eye out as you travel between Bluff and Stewart Island

You&rsquo;ll explore Oban township and scenic coastal roads by minibus, visiting key viewpoints and getting a glimpse of island life

Ulva Island is a protected, predator-free bird sanctuary where you can enjoy a guided nature walk and discover the island&rsquo;s natural surroundings

Bring non-slip shoes or boots, a waterproof jacket and a warm sweater or fleece jacket to prepare for changing outdoor conditions

Sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, a camera and any personal medication you may need, including medication for asthma or allergies

Yes, the tour timings are indicative and may vary depending on weather and operational conditions

Your day begins at the Bluff Ferry Terminal, where you&rsquo;ll check in before boarding the 9:15 am ferry to Oban on Rakiura (Stewart Island). Enjoy the approximately one-hour crossing of the Foveaux Strait, with opportunities to spot marine wildlife along the way.

On arrival, discover island life on the 1.5-hour Rakiura Village &amp; Bays Tour. Travel by minibus through Oban township and along scenic coastal roads, stopping at key viewpoints to take in the island&rsquo;s surroundings.

Next, enjoy a picnic lunch with harbour views before heading out for the 2.5-hour Ulva Island Explorer experience. Take a scenic return cruise to Ulva Island and join a guided nature walk through its protected, predator-free bird sanctuary, offering the chance to appreciate the island&rsquo;s natural environment and birdlife.

Your full-day experience concludes with the return ferry from Stewart Island, departing at 4:00 pm and arriving back in Bluff at approximately 5:00 pm. The tour runs for around 8 hours, with daily departures. Timings are indicative and may vary depending on weather and operational conditions.

Duration

Start & End Time

Meals

Start & End Location

Eco Tour

RealNZ

37 Camp St

Abba Court Motel

Absoloot Hostel QT

Adventure Q2 Hostel

Adventure Queenstown Hostel

Alexis Motel and Apartments

Alpine Lodge

Alpine Village

Alta Apartments

Amity Queenstown Serviced Apartments

Aspen Lodge Backpackers

Autoline Motel and Apartments

Azur Luxury Lodge (Pick up for Lodge guests only)

Balmoral Lodge

Beechwood Apartments (Battery Hill Bus Stop)

Bella Vista Motel Queenstown

Black Sheep Backpackers

Blue Gum Lodge

Blue Peaks Lodge

BnB on the Hill

BreakFree The Point Queenstown

Browns Boutique Hotel

Brunswick Lodge/In Queenstown

Bumbles Backpackers

Butterfli Lodge - BBH

Campbells B & B

Caples Court Motel

Chalet Queenstown

Club Pacific Queenstown

Club Pacific Queenstown (I'll make my own way to the Frankton Bus Shelter)

Colonial Village Motel

Commonage Villas

Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Copthorne Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Coronation Lodge

Coronet View Apartments

Cranbury Court Apartments

Crowne Plaza Queenstown

Deco Backpackers

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Queenstown

Driftaway Queenstown

Earnslaw Lodge

Edinburgh House

Eichardt's Private Hotel

Element Escapes (16 Kent Street)

Element Escapes (29 Panorama Terrace)

Element Escapes Marina Apartments

Esplanade Apartments

Five Rivers Café

Four Seasons Motel Queenstown

Frankton Pick-Up: Frankton Bus Shelter

Garden Court Suites & Apartments

Graceland B&B

Haka House Queenstown (Henry Street)

Haka House Queenstown Lakefront (Lake Esplanade)

Hampshire Holiday Parks - Queenstown Lakeview

Hampshire Holiday Parks - Queenstown Lakeview (I'll make my own way to the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre at 88 Beach Street)

Heartland Hotel Queenstown

Hensman Road Bus Stop

Hidden Lodge

Highview Queenstown Apartments

Highview Queenstown Apartments (I'll make my own way to the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre at 88 Beach Street)

Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa

Hippo Lodge Backpackers

Historic Stone House

Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road

Holiday Inn Queenstown Remarkables Park

Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - MGallery

Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - MGallery (I'll make my own way to the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre at 88 Beach Street)

Hulbert House

Hurley's of Queenstown

Kamana Lakehouse

Kingston Café - Please arrive 20 minutes prior to departure

Kingston Pick-up: Kingston Café

La Quinta By Wyndham

Lakefront Apartments

Lakeridge Condos

Lakeridge Condos (I'll make my own way to the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre at 88 Beach Street)

Lakeside Motel

Lomond Lodge Motel & Apts

LQ Hotel Queenstown

Luxe Suites (previously Amber Lodge Motel)

Lylo Queenstown (Jucy Snooze)

Marina Apartments (Mantra Marina)

Marina Heights Bus Stop

Matterhorn Chalet

Melbourne Lodge

Mercure Queenstown Resort

mi-pad

Millennium Hotel Queenstown

mi‑pad (I'll make my own way to the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre at 88 Beach Street)

Mossburn Pick-Up, Bracken Hall

Mossburn/Bracken Hall

Nomads Queenstown Hostel

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (I'll make my own way to the RealNZ Queenstown Visitor Centre at 88 Beach Street)

Oaks Queenstown Club Suites

Oaks Queenstown Shores Resort

Park Lane B & B

Peppers Beacon Queenstown

<ul>
	<li>Get up to 10% cashback when you book with us!</li>
	<li>Return ferry transfers between Bluff and Oban on Stewart Island</li>
	<li>1.5-hour guided Rakiura Village &amp; Bays Tour by minibus</li>
	<li>2.5-hour Ulva Island Explorer experience, including a scenic return cruise and guided nature walk</li>
	<li>Picnic lunch with harbour views</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Timings: Tour timings are indicative and may vary depending on weather and operational conditions</li>
	<li>Timetable changes: The tour operator reserves the right to amend timetables, cancel departures and substitute equipment</li>
	<li>Natural hazards: Review the natural hazards and risks associated with the experience before travelling</li>
	<li>Smoking: Smoking is not permitted onboard vessels and coaches where designated as smoke-free zones</li>
	<li>Parking: Vehicle parking is available adjacent to the Bluff Visitor Terminal and cannot be booked in advance. Pay for parking when checking in for the ferry</li>
</ul>

Rakiura in a Day - Birds and Bays

Meeting Point Bluff Ferry Terminal, Foreshore Road, Bluff, New Zealand 
Link: <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/hUxqp5D5gjgFFAzX9">Navigate via Google Maps</a>

Location Details

<ul>
	<li>
	Check in at the Bluff Ferry Terminal before boarding the ferry to Oban on Stewart Island
	</li>
	<li>
	Check-in time: 8:45 am
	</li>
	<li>
	Ferry departure: 9:15 am
	</li>
	<li>
	Please arrive in time to check in before departure
	</li>
</ul>

By Car:

<ul>
	<li>
	Vehicle parking is available adjacent to the Bluff Visitor Terminal for cars, campervans, motorcycles, bicycles, coaches and vehicles with boat trailers
	</li>
	<li>
	Parking cannot be booked in advance. Please pay for your parking ticket when checking in for the ferry
	</li>
</ul>

Rakiura in a Day - Birds and Bays

Rakiura in a Day - Birds and Bays Highlights

What's Excluded

Why Do We Love This

What to Expect

How to Get There

Frequently Asked Questions

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Rakiura in a Day - Birds and Bays

Rakiura in a Day - Birds and Bays Highlights

What's Excluded

Why Do We Love This

What to Expect

How to Get There

Frequently Asked QuestionsExpand all

Reviews for Rakiura in a Day - Birds and Bays

Policies

Tour Operator

Frequently Asked Questions