Short answer: Stewart Island / Rakiura lies across Foveaux Strait from Bluff, at the southern end of New Zealand. Most of the island is national park. Groups come for native birds on predator-free Ulva Island, coastal walks, the Rakiura Track and clear night skies. Plan at least two nights, and allow for weather on the crossing.
Rakiura is small, quiet and very different from the busy South Island circuit. There is one settlement, Oban, on Halfmoon Bay, a short road network and many walking tracks. That suits nature-focused clients, birders and walkers, and it needs careful planning for groups. This guide covers what to include and how to get there.
Getting there
- By ferry from Bluff. The crossing to Oban takes about an hour. Foveaux Strait can be rough, especially in winter, and the ferry does not carry cars.
- By air from Invercargill. Small aircraft fly to the island, with tight baggage limits.
Sailings fill in school holidays and summer, so we book the crossing with the accommodation. Bluff is about half an hour from Invercargill, which links to the rest of the South Island and to Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula.
What to include
- Ulva Island / Te Wharawhara. A short water-taxi ride from Oban, Ulva Island is an open predator-free sanctuary managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Visitors walk its forest tracks during the day, and a local guide helps clients find and name the native birds.
- Rakiura National Park. More than 85% of the island is national park, according to Tourism New Zealand, with coastal and forest walks close to Oban.
- The Rakiura Track. One of the Great Walks, a loop of about 32 km that DOC lists as a three-day walk, open all year. Huts and campsites must be booked through DOC. See our guide to Great Walks bookings.
- Night skies. Rakiura is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, and on clear nights the stars, and sometimes the aurora australis, are a highlight. Sightings depend on the weather.
Planning notes for groups
- Accommodation is small. Lodges, motels and holiday homes are limited, so larger groups may split across properties. We confirm rooms before we confirm the crossing.
- Two nights at least. A day trip leaves little time once the crossing is counted, and two nights also protect against a cancelled sailing.
- Pack for weather. Rain, wind and cool temperatures are possible in every season, so clients need waterproof layers and sturdy shoes.
- Biosecurity. Visitors to Ulva Island check their bags, clothing and shoes for seeds, soil and pests before they board, to keep the island predator-free.
How Explera DMC New Zealand can help
We plan Rakiura stays for FIT and tailor-made clients and small group tours, with guided walking, local nature guides, hotels and lodges and coach and private transfers to Bluff. See our Stewart Island / Rakiura page.
FAQ
How do groups get to Stewart Island? By ferry from Bluff, about an hour across Foveaux Strait, or by small aircraft from Invercargill.
How long should a programme stay on Stewart Island? At least two nights, which allows time for Ulva Island and a walk, and protects against a cancelled crossing.
Is Ulva Island open to visitors? Yes. It is an open predator-free sanctuary. Visitors go by water taxi for the day and check their gear for pests before boarding.
Is the Rakiura Track open all year? Yes. DOC lists it as a three-day loop of about 32 km, open all year, with huts and campsites booked in advance.
Talk to the trade desk
Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal b2b.expleradmc.com.
