10 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Stewart Island That You Shouldn't Miss

Ruggedy Range™ Wilderness Experience operate exclusively in Stewart Island and Ulva Island. We are an independent, small, locally owned and operated business, specialising in guided nature walks, overnight treks, bird watching (including pelagic birding) and kiwi spotting tours, wildlife and scenic cruises, sea kayaking and scenic road tours. Our tours are designed to capture the best the island has to offer and carefully matching this to the interests and abilities of the most discerning traveller. Whether you are a gentle explorer or adventurous and active, whether your interests are general or you are an avid birdwatcher, botanist, naturalist or photographer, we certainly have something to offer. Guides bring their in-depth knowledge, a sense of fun with a few local tales, to create a truly memorable experience. We care about the environment and strive to adopt and maintain sustainable practises. Visit our Ruggedy Range™ Booking Office at 14 Main Road, Stewart Island.

Cruise Stewart Island in affordable comfort & style! Offering tours and water taxi services to the Ulva Island bird sanctuary, Freshwater River, meet our stunning ocean birds such as Albatross and Yellow-Eyed Penguins up close and personal on a Pelagic Birding Tour, come dolphin and seal spotting, or explore the historic Norwegian Whaler's Base. Our tour vessel is equipped with bathroom, kitchenette, lounge-style seating and a heated cabin, this is cruising in style! Our brand new water taxi seats up to 19 passengers and also features a heated cabin, toilet and excellent viewing, designed especially to maximise your Stewart Island experience!

Aihe Wildlife Cruises & Water Taxi is a comfortable and stylish boat, custom built to provide excellent all round viewing and maximum photo opportunities She seats 12 passengers and 2 crew. Aihe offers leisurely boat cruises in Paterson Inlet and around the coast of Stewart Island. Aihe also offers a water taxi service to a variety of destinations including: Ulva Island, Freshwater River, Freds Camp, North Arm and Port William. Small group cruises are always personalised for 8 to 12 persons maximum. Tours include: Aihe Pelagic Bird Watching to view our magnificent seabirds including albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, terns, penguins, cormorants, Aihe - Paterson Inlet Wildlife Cruise for penguins, dolphins (when present), other seabirds and shorebirds. For sightseeing and history try our Scenic Cruise & Norwegian Whalers' Base Guided Walk exploring hidden bays. Enjoy interesting commentary on birds / mammals seen, the areas visited. Aihe is also available for private charters.

On Board the Rawhiti wooden launch , we offer you the experience of traditional handline fishing set in the wonderfully scenic environment of Stewart Island New Zealand. Catch of the day will be served for a light lunch on the morning trip . Both trips as long as you're catching fish , will provide you with some fish to take home. A morning and afternoon trip daily. Minimum two adults.

Aurora Charthers offers Scenic tours & group charters around Stewart Island spectacular coastline - Pelagic bird trips - Hunting & Tramping destinations

Stewart Island - amazing sea kayak destination. Explore the pristine clear waters with amazing marine life, bays and sandy beaches. We often see penguins, marine mammals and mollymawk/albatross. 2½ hour, half day or full day tours, twilight paddles (sunset!), sea kayak hire/expeditions. Personal guiding - tours tailored for all levels of experience. Your safety and enjoyment is my priority.

We are two adventure guides that have a passion for freediving and conservation. We want to take you on an expedition in the Stewart Island Kelp Forests to view diverse and beautiful marine life. Learn about biodiversity, history and conservation of Rakiura, while following a theme of sustainability and effective ocean management . We will be visiting fragile, pristine, and undisturbed natural areas, ensuring we make zero impact by operating a small scale alternative to standard mass tourism.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet, viewing hidden coves and beaches including a visit to the Ulva Island – a renowned wildlife sanctuary. An on-board nature guide provides commentary throughout the cruise and leads a 45 minute walk through part of the Ulva Island. This island is home to abundant birdlife, including some of New Zealand’s most rare and precious plant species. Departs: Oban. (Previously named Paterson Inlet Cruises).

We offer a three hour fishing trip or sightseeing tour.