Top Things to do in Stewart Island
Top Restaurants in Stewart Island
Countries
The 6 Best Things to do Good for Big Groups in Stewart Island, South Island
Discover the best top things to do in Stewart Island, New Zealand including Ulva Island, Aihe Wildlife Cruises & Water Taxi, Phil's Sea Kayak, Stewart Island Electric Bikes, Stewart Island Ferry - Stewart Island Experience, Stewart Island Experience.
Restaurants in Stewart Island
1. Ulva Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 682 reviews
Reviewed By Kiwifreespirits - Auckland, New Zealand
We did a self guided walk using the guide book ( $2) we bought in Oban before going We used the excellent Rakiura Charters Water Taxi to get to Ulva having spent a wonderful few hours with them before hand around Patterson Inlet and the Mussel and Salmon Farm area in Big Glory Bay . Great people !!. We allowed ourselves 3 hours on Ulva . Way too short !!! . Should have made it 4 ( it was a fine day which helped ) to give sufficient time to just stop listen and watch frequently eg . Late in the walk we saw a Kiwi very close to us . But we were tight for time and could only spend 2 or 3 minutes looking which was frustrating. Many of the birds are very friendly eg Stewart Island robins that hop on your shoes and check out the laces , Wekas who hang out at the two beaches etc .
2. Aihe Wildlife Cruises & Water Taxi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
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.
3. Phil's Sea Kayak
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 131 reviews
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.
4. Stewart Island Electric Bikes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 197 reviews
Explore picturesque Stewart Island in style on our Eco-friendly electric bikes. You can travel at your own pace around our 30 km of roads, stop and see the amazing scenery and wildlife, and go to places you never would have explored before. The terrain of the island is made easy by the assistance of an electric motor helping you bike around with ease and speed.
5. Stewart Island Ferry - Stewart Island Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Stewart Island Experience operates daily ferry service between Bluff and Stewart Island all year around. Stewart Island is New Zealand's ultimate eco-tourism destination and the location of Rakiura National Park. During the one hour ferry crossing, keep a look out for the Mollymawks (Albatross) that often follow the vessel. Daily coach connections operate between Bluff and Invercargill, and in summer also to Te Anau and Queenstown (summer only).
Reviewed By FreddieB_12 - Bristol, United Kingdom
Lucky enough to travel in rough seas (up to 6m swells apparently). Incredible experience, forget the jet boat in Queenstown, this was the real deal. Captain was excellent and the crew did a great job to try and help out those with sea sickness. First 15 minutes are the worst, once you get through that it's (relatively) plain sailing. Gives you a great insight into how insane those early explorers were and even folks who sail the Southern Ocean to this day.
6. Stewart Island Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
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).
