stewart island bus tour

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Stewart Island Village & Bays Tours

Gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand’s southernmost community and learn about the history and environment of Stewart Island.

Unspoiled, incredibly beautiful, and steeped in stories, Stewart Island (known as Rakiura – glowing skies - by Maori) is well worth this informative introduction.  Our local guides enjoy sharing their knowledge of the area on this mini-bus tour of the Island. You will have plenty of time to get off the bus for photo stops and short walks.

Highlights include a visit to the gateway to Rakiura National Park at Lee Bay and Observation Rock with its stunning views of Paterson Inlet.

• Modern mini bus
• Departs: Oban Visitor Centre
• Duration: 1h30
• Suitable for all ages

Sit back and relax on your journey with our spacious and modern minibuses.

Let a Stewart Island local show you around this beautiful island.

An adventure the whole family will enjoy!

Visit Oban's best viewpoints and explore further with various beach/nature walks.

More Information

Explore Oban and the surrounding bays in our modern mini-buses.  Our guides enjoy sharing their local knowledge of the history and environment of Stewart Island.

Departure Location

Oban Visitor Centre, 12 Elgin Terrace, Stewart Island

What to bring

• Comfortable walking shoes/boots
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm sweater/fleece jacket
• Sunscreen/sunglasses
• Insect repellent
• Personal medication including for asthma and allergies

Why RealNZ?

• Tourism pioneers since 1954
• Local experts
• Multi-award winning
• Best price guarantee

One of the best tours we had in the entire 15 days at New Zealand. The bus tour was the best and the walks and hikes on the island in Rakiura was well managed, informative and well-paced. ArpanD, via Trip Advisor

A great way to see the different parts of Stewart Island especially if without a car. Very handy as well for short stays. Leah the guide was so passionate and gave great insight into the island's heritage and its dedication to conservation. Highly recommend. N Kuek, via Trip Advisor

We had limited time on the island and this tour was great. Got a good overview of village life and the history of the island. Would highly recommend it. Ruth, via Trip Advisor

It was great to see the township of the island by bus and hear the heritage about it from the friendly and informative driver. lynne, via Trip Advisor

Hearing about all the places to visit, a little history and having a perspective from a kiwi who is obviously enrolled in this place. As a kiwi to hear a balanced view of a great part of the country with a balanced and mature view of our great place was uplifting. Most kiwis never visit this place but if they has someone like Rhys introducing them to it they would be back more than once for another view. Thanks for looking after us Rhys. Cheers V7128EOjohnl, Via TripAdvisor

We took 3 tours of senior citizens down to Stewart Island and did the Village and Bays tour on each one. We had both Bevan and Nicky as our guides. They were both kind, funny and patient. Lots of things learnt and many laughs had. These staff are both an absolute credit to RealNZ. Thanks so much! BeckleyCoachlines Ashburton, New Zealand, Via TripAdvisor

A great tour. Highly recommend. Our tour guide, Nicky, was very relaxed, informative and entertaining. Anyone coming to Stewart Island should do this tour. TaniaCab123, Via TripAdvisor

Nicky, our guide, had an excellent local knowledge and gave an entertaining perspective of Stewart Island. We learned a lot and saw the beautiful beaches close to Oban. A great 1 hour tour. Bev & Bryan bryanandbevrose Wellington, New Zealand, Via TripAdvisor

In case you haven't found the information you were looking for, we've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please contact us directly.

For visitors travelling on the Stewart Island Ferry Service, you are required to check in 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time (to allow for luggage loading, etc). The check in and boarding gates are closed 10 minutes prior to scheduled ferry departure. For all our cruises and tours, check in is required 20 minutes prior to the schedule departure.

There are a huge range of activities available on Stewart Island, from kayaking, fishing trips, golf, walking tracks and more. To find out more information and to make bookings, we operate the Oban Visitor Centre. The Department of Conservation (DoC) also operates a Visitor Information Centre and can provide more information on walking tracks and activities.

Yes, there are many activities you can fit into one day on Stewart Island. Ask our reservations team for suggested itineraries.

Stewart Island is not the place for a shopping spree as there is a very small range of shops - from small gift shops with locally produced items to the general store for groceries and fresh food.

Online transactions/prices are conducted in what currency?

All prices and transactions on the RealNZ website are in New Zealand dollars (NZD).  This is specified on the Terms & Conditions page.

What happens if there is an emergency?

Our staff are trained to deal with incidents and in case of an emergency you should listen to their instructions. We have a portable defibrillator on each of our overnight cruise vessels (Milford Mariner, Milford Wanderer and Fiordland Navigator). In addition to this we also have portable defibrillators at the following locations: •    Milford Sound Visitor Terminal •    RealNZ Visitor Centre, Manapouri •    Cavern House (Te Anau Glowworm Caves) •    Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant, Walter Peak •    TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship •    Stewart Island Ferry (Bluff - Oban - Bluff)

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Ulva Island Explorer

Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter

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THE 5 BEST Stewart Island Tours & Excursions

Stewart island tours.

• Walking Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Helicopter Tours
• Private Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island

2. Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter

3. Stewart Island: Village and Bays Tour

4. Stewart Island Fly Explore Fly ex Queenstown by Glenorchy Air

5. Stewart Island Big Day Out

6. Pegasus and The Gogs Scenic Flight

What travelers are saying.

• Stewart Island: Village and Bays Tour
• Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter
• Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island
• Stewart Island Fly Explore Fly ex Queenstown by Glenorchy Air
• Stewart Island Big Day Out
• Beaks and Feathers
• Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience
• Ulva's Guided Walks
• Stewart Island Snorkeling Adventures
• Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi
• Aihe Wildlife Cruises & Water Taxi
• Stewart Island Electric Bikes
• Leask Bay Fishing Charters

• Village & Bays Tour
• See : Do : Stay
• Tours and Activities

Gain an entertaining insight into the community, history and environment of Stewart Island as you explore Oban and surrounding bays.  

Visit Lee Bay, Horseshoe Bay and see views from Observation Rock of stunning Paterson Inlet.

• Friendly, knowledgeable guides
• Modern, spacious mini-buses
• Departures: All year from Oban Visitor Centre
• Duration 1hr 30mins
• Suitable for all ages
• Frequent stops to take photos

• Small Group Tours
• Cycle Tours
• Private Tours

• Golden Bay Geological Gems Tour
• Bluff Oyster Festival & Stewart Island
• Golden Bay Art and Farewell Spit Tour
• Molesworth Station & Kaikoura Tour
• Molesworth and Upper West Coast Tour
• Central Otago in Autumn Tour

Stewart Island and Catlins Tour

• Hurunui Art & Garden Tour
• Canterbury Foothills and Rivers Tour
• More tours...

• Molesworth Station Cycle Tour
• Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Tour
• Private Tours Customise your own tour 4 Day (3 night) Scenic Tour 3 Day (2 night) Scenic Tour
• 4WD Tours 4WD Molesworth Station Tag-along Tour 4WD Molesworth Tour Lead Vehicle Seat 4WD D’Urville Island – Marlborough Tag-along Tour 4WD D’Urville Island – Marlborough Tour Lead Vehicle Seat North Otago 4WD Tag-along Tour
• Per person twin/share room
• Single room occupancy

Proceed Booking

Already a member, don't have an account create one., or continue as guest, adding item to wishlist requires an account, tour details.

On this 9 day Stewart Island and Catlins Tour you will discover the great Southern region, from the Otago Peninsula’s Royal Albatross colony to the Catlins rugged coastline.

Highlights of the tour include a two night stay on Stewart Island, Kiwi spotting tour, a visit to Ulva Island, Catlins wildlife guided tour, a visit Transport World in Invercargill, experiencing an afternoon Te Anau Lake cruise and the following day a nature cruise in Milford Sound.

Departure & Return Location

Tour starts and finishes in Christchurch

Departure Time

9am-9:30pm pick up from your Christchurch accommodation

Price Includes

• 8 nights accommodation
• 8 breakfasts
• 2 morning tea
• 8 evening dining experiences
• Royal Albatross tour
• Catlins Guided Eco-Tour
• Return Stewart Island flights
• Ulva Island guided tour
• Stewart Island bus tour
• Milford Sound Nature Cruise
• Te Anau Lake Cruise
• Kiwi spotting tour on Stewart Island
• Ovelston Historic House and garden tour

Day 1 Dunedin

Departing from Christchurch to travel to travel south on our way to Dunedin. Stopping at Dunsandle, Temuka and Oamaru. Enjoy dinner together at our central Dunedin Hotel for a two night stay.

Day 2 Dunedin - Otago Peninsula - Larnach Castle-Dunedin

After breakfast we will drive to the end of the Otago Peninsula to Taiaroa Heads to see the world’s only mainland breeding colony of the Royal Albatross. Enjoy a guided tour and see the spectacular views on the Otago Peninsula. A wonderful opportunity for up close viewing interactions with all manner of seabirds and mammals. Arriving at Larnach Castle we have extended our time to enjoy lunch, an audio tour of the castle and plenty of time to explore the gardens, returning to our Dunedin hotel and diner.  B.L.D

Day 3 Dunedin - Catlins

Enjoy a guided tour of Dunedin’s Ovelston historic house built in the early 1900’s, which is a time capsule experience. Enjoy exploring the wonderful garden of national significance and have morning tea here. We start our journey towards the secluded Catlins region, with walks at the famous Nugget Point lighthouse and Pukaraunui Falls, before arriving at our overnight accommodation located in the heart of in the Catlins. BLD

Day 4 Catlins

After breakfast today we meet our local eco-tour guide for an in-depth look at the Catlins. See treasures of fossils, find out about the history, the middens left by Maori communities, the ancient podocarp forests full of rimu, totara, matai and rata, and the kingfishers, tuis, and bellbirds. We return to our Catlins accommodation for a second night. BLD

Day 5 Catlins-Invercargill-Stewart Island

Today we follow the southern coastal route to Invercargill stopping off at Slope Point, the southernmost point of NZ, and Waipapa Bay where the sea lions live. Arriving in Invercargill to visit the Bill Richardson Transport Museum and get a bite to eat. We later catch our flight to Stewart Island for a two night. In the evening, we will experience some southern hospitality with dinner at the South Seas Hotel. B D

Day 6 Stewart Island

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with views of native bush and the friendly kaka who visit the Lodge veranda for treats before we visit Ulva Island, strolling around the excellent walking tracks amongst predator free podocarp forest, home to many endangered species.  Return to Oban township where you can get a bite to eat.  Depart for a minivan tour exploring landmarks and hear the history of Oban, then spend time exploring, or just absorb the tranquility of the island.  Dinner tonight is at the South Seas Hotel, the blue cod is highly recommended. Enjoy a guided Kiwi spotting adventure in the evening. B D

Day 7 Stewart Island-Invercargill-Te Anau

After breakfast we depart Stewart Island to fly back to Invercargill airport. We will drive to Te Anau in time for an relaxing afternoon Lake Cruise with afternoon tea served in style, after the cruise we will settle into our accommodation for the evening and have a meal out. B D

Day 8 Te Anau-Milford Sound-Queenstown

Depart Te Anau and drive to the uniquely beautiful and truly awe-inspiring Milford Sound.  Discover its beauty on a 2-hour nature cruise, spot wildlife such as Bottlenose Dolphin and Penguin while you cruise around the sound and see the fresh glacial water straight from waterfalls around you, lunch onboard is arranged for you today. After your cruise, we depart for Queenstown to our central hotel accommodation and have our last meal together. BLD

Day 9 Queenstown-Christchurch

After breakfast we will depart for Christchurch with stops at Cromwell, Tarras, Omarama, Lake Pukaki, Tekapo, and Geraldine. Approximate arrival time in Christchurch will be 5.30pm. B

Related Tours

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Brigitte and marc.

We enjoyed very much the Catlins and South tour. The small group was very friendly . Our driver Randall was perfect and joyful. I particularly enjoyed the visit of the old house in Dunedin, Curio bay, and of course the cruise on Milford Sound.

I had a good time, seeing all the places I had not seen before. The food was good, the accommodation was very comfortable. I am so glad that I did the tour and met some very nice individuals as well.

Thank you to you for a wonderful trip. My highlight was flying into Stewart Island and having a seat behind the pilot and wonderful views, and of course the wonderful tiny birds on Ulva Island that I would have missed if it hadn’t been for our wonderful listening guide.

Josephine P

It such a great trip with so many wonderful activities to do. The accommodation and meals were all very good and Geoff is such a knowledgeable driver/tour guide.

My favourite activity was the Te Anau boat trip. Not only was it a great trip with wonderful hosts and a lovely walk through the bush but who wouldn’t enjoy a trip with wine, tea, a lovely platter and the chance to pilot a boat across the lake? It was a great trip and a lot of fun!

Having said that was my favourite activity I enjoyed all of the others; informative guides, beautiful houses and gardens, and stunning, wind swept beaches. I couldn’t fault any of it.

Prudence B. Darwin. Australia

I did an 8 night 9 day return tour from Christchurch to Stewart Island with South Island Tours. I loved every minute of it, it’s a must do tour. It offers a well organised varied and interesting itinerary. The accommodation was excellent as were the restaurants and cafes we visited. There were highlights everyday, but the biggest for me was seeing 9 kiwis in a natural environment on Stewart Island.

Top Tours in Stewart Island, New Zealand

Stewart island tours.

• Walking Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Helicopter Tours
• Private Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island

2. Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter

3. Stewart Island: Village and Bays Tour

4. Stewart Island Fly Explore Fly ex Queenstown by Glenorchy Air

5. Stewart Island Big Day Out

6. Pegasus and The Gogs Scenic Flight

What travellers are saying.

• Stewart Island: Village and Bays Tour
• Stewart Island Wild Kiwi Encounter
• Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island
• Stewart Island Fly Explore Fly ex Queenstown by Glenorchy Air
• Stewart Island Big Day Out
• Beaks and Feathers
• Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience
• Ulva's Guided Walks
• Stewart Island Snorkeling Adventures
• Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi
• Aihe Wildlife Cruises & Water Taxi
• Stewart Island Electric Bikes
• Leask Bay Fishing Charters

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Add-On Activities

Plan your adventure.

Water Taxi to Ulva Island - $32 Per Adult, $15 Per Child

​15 minute walk to Golden Bay to catch your water taxi to Ulva Island open bird sanctuary.

Spend an hour or two on Ulva strolling the excellent walking tracks amongst predator free podocarp forest, home to many endangered species.

Return to Golden Bay, walk over to Oban township, where you may purchase lunch at one of the many and varied dining establishments.

Package includes self-guided Ulva Island Booklet.

$2 of the fare is directly donated to the Ulva Island Charitable Trust.

Stewart Island Bus Tour - $49 Per Adult, $28 Per Child

Depart for a 1½ hour bus tour on the Island Explorer exploring landmarks and the history behind them with your local guide.

Coast to Coast - Fly-Hike-Boat - $295pp

The Stewart Island Coast to Coast is one of Stewart Island Flights’ most popular and unique innovations. Appealing to any traveller up for a taste of New Zealand in its natural untouched state, the Coast to Coast is a gentle sa mple of the island’s more rigorous North-West Circuit. For more information 

Oban by Boat - $45pp

Tour the bay aboard the classic boat -Ranui - to get a unique perspective of our village.

An hour of exploring the little bays, chance upon the odd penguin, mollymawk, historic and scenic attractions... a must do for every visitor

Monday to Saturday 10am and 2pm $45.00 (Custom times available for large groups)

0800 725 487   +64 (0)3 219 1487

ALL TOURS   BOOK NOW

Stewart Island Tours

Paterson Inlet Discovery Cruise

NEW 1/2 Day Highlights Cruise Wildlife, History & Aquaculture

150/89   3hrs

Port William Cruise & Walk

25 min scenic cruise & 3-4 hr walk on the Rakiura Track

From 55/30   3-5.5 hrs

Ulva Island Guided Tour

Discover Ulva island with the experts. An unforgettable birdlife experience

155/$75   3-4 hrs

Ulva Island Water Taxi & Freedom Walk

Explore Ulva Island at your own pace using our on demand trips

30/15 return   2-8 hrs

Freshwater River Scenic Cruise

Cruise the winding Freshwater Rive This 1.5 hr trip includes Mason Bay

80/40  

Rakiura Charters provides the most comprehensive Stewart Island tours to the island’s top destinations. This includes Ulva Island, Rakiura Track, Mason Bay, Freshwater Landing and the iconic Coast to Coast Adventure.

Owned and operated by long time Stewart Island locals – Matt & Alina Atkins. Rakiura Charters aims to provide visitors with an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful and remote areas of New Zealand.

Why take a Stewart Island Tour?

Getting to Stewart Island is an adventure in itself, either on the 1hr Bluff to Stewart Island Ferry or scenic 15-20 minute flight. However to fully experience the birdlife and landscapes it is recommended to take one of our scenic boat tours and transfers.

By exploring some of the tracks or the island sanctuary of Ulva Island you will come to appreciate how unique Stewart Island is.  Plus its’ role in preserving some of New Zealand’s most endangered native birds.

Where should you go on a Stewart Island Tour?

These are some of our favourite destinations on Stewart Island. However  Rakiura Charters also offers on demand & private charters on Stewart Island. Call our team if you have something special in mind.

Ulva Island Tours:

Ulva Island is the most popular destination for travellers to Stewart Island. Situated in the Paterson Inlet, part of the Rakiura National Park, it is a 7-10 minute water taxi transfer from Golden Bay Wharf. This is a 15-20 min walk from the main Oban township.

Designated a reserve in 1899 and then declared pest free in 1997, Ulva Island is a unique place. It is managed by the Department Of Conservation and the Ulva Island Charitable Trust. Here you can get a sense of what New Zealand would have been like before pests were introduced by early Maori and European settlers. The primeval forest is alive with native birdsong and there are chances to spot weka wandering the beaches and even the Stewart Island kiwi sometimes makes an appearance to visitors.

Rakiura Charters operates 3 tours to Ulva Island:

• Ulva Island Connection ($25pp adult return/$10 child) This daily scheduled trip runs every day in summer (Dec – 29 Apr) and includes a return water taxi trip to Ulva Island with around 3 hours to explore at your own pace.
• Ulva Island Guided Walk ($145pp adult / $70 child) Discover more on a guided tour of Ulva Island. Join internationally renowned birding guides on this 3-4 hour tour.
• Ulva Island Water Taxi + Freedom Walk   ($25pp adult one way / $10 child)

Ulva Island is a “must-do” destination for everyone and our most popular Stewart Island Tour.

Rakiura Track

The Rakiura Track is the shortest of the New Zealand Great Walks (32 km long). But this in no way compromises the scenery you will encounter. The track traverses through stunning native forest & remote beaches. It is here that trampers can also sometimes spot a New Zealand kiwi in the wild. Most people will walk the track in 3 days but it is also possible to walk the most scenic section of the track in one day.

Rakiura Track in One Day

It is possible to walk the whole track in one day but it would be a challenging experience for those who are well prepared. However our Port William Cruise & Walk Trip will allow you to walk the most scenic section in 3-4 hours. This trip is great for everyone and families are welcome.

This trip runs daily in summer, but at other times we operate an On Demand Port William transfer . We also operate water taxi transfers to the overnight huts on the Rakiura Track.

Freshwater River & Mason Bay

Freshwater River is the gateway to reaching Mason Bay. However it is also a great scenic boat tour with Rakiura Charters. Cruise the tidal waters on an exhilarating 1.5hr return cruise. There is a chance to see many native birds and you will see the scenery change as you travel inland up the river.

Learn about the history and geography of Paterson Inlet from your boat skipper,  including the Rakiura National Park, Ruggedy Ranges, Freshwater Inlet and Mason Bay.

This trip departs daily in summer but departure times are subject to the tides so please email or call us to enquire about this trip.

Paterson Inlet

Paterson Inlet / Whaka a Te Wera is a natural harbour on the east coast of Stewart Island. Its calm, sheltered waters provide great opportunities to spot pelagic birds, penguins, fur seals, and dolphins.

There are also several historical sites of interest such as Harrold’s Bay Stone Cottage, a Norwegian Whaling Base and The Neck (believed to be Stewart Island’s earliest Maori settlement).

These days Paterson Inlet is also home to a thriving aquaculture industry and our comprehensive Paterson Inlet Discovery Cruise   includes Big Glory Bay.

This 3.5 hr cruise is the best way to discover the treasures of Paterson Inlet.

There are many other locations of interest in Stewart Island such as the North-West Circuit & the Southern Circuit Track destinations. Our custom adventure – the Coast to Coast provides an epic trip of scenic flight, tramping & boating.

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Rakiura Charters

FREEPHONE: 0800 725 487 PHONE: +64 (0)3 219 1487 [email protected]

Booking Office

10 Main Road, Halfmoon Bay

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Visit Stewart Island

• Two nights accommodation at Bay Motel including Continental Breakfast Daily (B)
• Stewart Island Return Ferry
• Orientation tour
• Guided Ulva Island Visit
• Night time Kiwi Spotting

Dates, Availability & Printable Version

Until 30 Sep 2024. $895.00 per person. Minimum 2 passengers. 

Click here to download your printable PDF version of the Visit Stewart Island Package valid until 30 Sep 2024.

3 days/2 nights Visit Stewart Island

Stewart Island is a true nature’s paradise and offers a special experience - a glimpse into a simpler, slower lifestyle, in rhythm with the sea and the tides. 85% of the island’s 1570 square kilometres is a National Park – Rakiura National Park. Stewart Island also has a Dark Sky Sanctuary accreditation by the International Dark Sky Association. Whether you want to enjoy the land, sea and night-scapes, view the wildllife, walk, boat, fish, dive, kayak, hunt or just relax - a Stewart Island holiday is an experience that you will treasure for ever and a must-do experience.

Day 1 | Bluff to Stewart Island

Your journey starts in Bluff where you will board the Ferry to Stewart Island*. Experience Foveaux Strait onboard an express catamaran. During the one-hour crossing on the Stewart Island Ferry between Bluff and Oban keep a lookout for wildlife, especially seabirds. Comprehensive commentaries provide information on the interesting landmarks commonly seen, including Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, the Titi Islands and Mt Anglem - Stewart Island’s highest point. After crossing Foveaux Strait and arriving at Oban – the main settlement on Stewart Island you will be transferred to the Bay Motel.

This afternoon explore Oban and the surrounding bays in a mini-bus tour. Experienced guides enjoy sharing their local knowledge of the history and environment of Stewart Island with you. Gain an insight into New Zealand’s southernmost community. Stewart Islanders are proud of their island, enjoying its simpler, slower pace. Highlights include Lee Bay, the gateway to Rakiura National Park and stunning views of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock during this 1 hour tour. On return to the motel you have the afternoon free to relax.

Day 2 | Ulva Island Explorer Tour & Night time Kiwi Spotting | (B)

Ulva Island (Te Wharawhara), is renowned for its diverse and abundant birdlife with a forest dominated by Rimu, Southern Rata and Kamahi, surrounded by marine reserve. It was visited by Ngai Tahu Maori as part of their food gathering trips and in the 1890s it became one of New Zealand’s first reserves. This 267 hectare island is now predator free, allowing the bird and plantlife to thrive. Enjoy a leisurely cruise from Halfmoon Bay viewing hidden coves and unspoilt beaches. Along the way learn about the early Maori history and European settlement including whaling. Your skipper and nature guide provide detailed commentary throughout the cruise and are happy to answer any questions. While on board, keep a lookout for fur seals, penguins and other wildlife, as sightings are common. Then disembark at Ulva Island for a 45-minute guided walk with a specialist nature guide. View rare plants and rich birdlife, including the inquisitive weka, which are often seen on the beach. Returning to the motel in the afternoon.

This evening we are in for a real treat with a night time Kiwi Spotting Tour. The tour will commence 30 minutes after dark and will give you the ultimately special opportunity to experience kiwi in their natural environment. We have EXCLUSIVE ACCESS to private land where New Zealand’s precious kiwi come out at night to feed (weather dependent). **Upgrade option to Wild Kiwi Encounter $80pp.

Day 3 | Stewart Island to Bluff | (B)

Today it is time to depart this paradise island and return to real life. Board the catamaran and enjoy the cruise across the Straight to Bluff.

*Return flights to Stewart Island are available at a surcharge.

Bay Motel Stewart Island

With panoramic views of the Tasman Sea, Bay Motel overlooks Halfmoon Bay on Stewart Island. All units have views of Half Moon Bay or the surrounding bush. Enjoy the view from your balcony, listening to the local birdlife.

Stewart Island Lodge

Private and secluded, Stewart Island Lodge is a nice place to relax in comfort while providing a base for your Island exploration. It’s just five minutes’ walk from the village centre where there are restaurants and a small pub. Set on a hillside overlooking Halfmoon Bay.

Tour Price:

Until 30 Sep 2024: $895.00 Per Person on a Share Twin Basis.

Single Supplement: Additional $540.00 per person.

Surcharge for Flights*: $140.00 per person.

Upgrade to Wild Kiwi Encounter**: $90.00 per person.

Surcharge for Stewart Island Lodge Upgrade: enquire for pricing.

Minimum 2 passengers. 

*Return flights to Stewart Island are available at a surcharge. 

**Upgrade to Wild Kiwi Encounter available at a surcharge.

At times various operators on Stewart Island will not operate due to not reaching minimum numbers or operational issues. In these cases we will endeavour to find alternative activities which may not match the above itinerary. Surcharges may apply.

See below for full Terms and Conditions.

Printable Version:

Tour Exclusions:

• Domestic Air Fares
• Additional/Optional Tour Costs
• Hotel Mini Bar
• Other Sightseeing & Meals not specified in Itinerary

Payment Terms & Conditions

A non-refundable deposit of $450 per person is required at the time of booking. 

The balance of the package price is required 45 days prior to your travel date. If you book inside 45 days, full payment will be required at the time of booking. Payment can be made by bank transfer. 

If you cancel between 31 and 45 days 30% of your tour cost will be charged. Cancellations less than 31 days of departures will incur a 100% cancellation charge.

Inspired New Zealand Tours recommends purchasing  travel insurance, even when travelling within New Zealand.

Full terms and conditions are available here .  

When a booking is made it is accepted that these are agreed to. They include the following:  Itineraries are correct when initially published, however are subject to change due to circumstances outside our control.  Flights are the responsibility of the passenger and Inspired New Zealand Tours takes no responsibility for costs involved for any changes to flights that might be required due to necessary amendments in itineraries.

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4 Days / 3 Nights | Tour includes Stewart Island, Ulva Island, Kiwi Spotting, Paterson Inlet Cruise, Stewart Island Return Ferry | Price is Per Person, Twin Share

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5 Days / 4 Nights | Tour includes Stewart Island, Ulva Island, Kiwi Spotting, Paterson Inlet Cruise, Stewart Island Return Ferry | Price is Per Person, Twin Share

Great Walk Rakiura Stewart Island

4 Days / 3 Nights | Tour includes Stewart Island, Ulva Island, Kiwi Spotting, Walk on Rakiura Track, Stewart Island Return Ferry | Price is Per Person, Twin Share

Discover the Chatham Islands (ex AKL-CHC)

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4 Days/3 Nights tour exploring Waiheke Island | Price is Per Person, Twin Share

What our other guests have said

It was a privalige to have Chris as our tour manager. His knowledge, sense of humour, and attention to detail, made our tour a wonderful experience. All our group gelled together from the start and he took our humour and antics very well.

David, Distant Journeys client, United Kingdom

Your driver Chris was extremely likeable and considerate, very well organised with facts at his fingertips. He cared about his passengers and how they were faring

Gill, Distant Journeys, United Kingdom

Peter was a very safe and skilled driver. He remained calm at all times and had a great sense of humour.

Lesley, United Kingdom

Moscow Tourist Bus

Discover the different routes and stops of Moscow's tourist bus and explore the city comfortably enjoying panoramic views of its main monuments.

Routes & stops

The Moscow sightseeing bus has two routes with 46 stops around the main tourist areas of the Russian capital , throughout which you can enjoy recorded commentary in English about the places you are passing through and the city's history .

Some of the unmissable stops for the Moscow bus are: Kropotkinskaya metro station, the  Pushkin Fine Art Museum , the Red October factory and the Alexander Gardens. And of course, no trip to Moscow would be complete without getting off at Red Square to explore the heart of Moscow, admire the Kremlin , St Basil's Cathedral , and the Moscow River.

You can check out the route with all the stops by clicking on the following link:

• Routes and stops on the Moscow bus .
• The ticket with 2-day validity costs € 33 ( US$ 35.50) for adults and € 30 ( US$ 32.30) for children between 7 and 13 years old. The bus ticket for children under 7 years old costs € 16 ( US$ 17.20).

Operating times & frequency

• Red line : from 10 am to 6 pm, every 20 minutes. The whole route lasts an hour.
• Green line : from 10 am to 6 pm, every 40 minutes. The whole route lasts two hours.

Buy your ticket online

Check out the prices for the Moscow Tourist Bus and buy your tickets online in advance via the following link:

• Moscow Hop-on Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus

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Moscow Metro

Opened in 1935 under Stalin, the Moscow Metro is one of the largest networks in the world and a tourist attraction in itself. Discover how to get around on it!

While Moscow has an efficient public transport system, you may sometimes find it more convenient to travel by taxi and prices are usually affordable. Find fares and top tips here!

• Guided tour

Moscow at Night: City Sightseeing Tour by Car/Bus

• Description
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When the Sun begins to set, the myriad lights and firefly-like cars buzzing around on the wide highways see Moscow burst into life. This unreal sight is best enjoyed from the height of the capital’s famous viewpoints, Moscow in the evening is truly, truly spectacular. We invite you with pleasure to see the magic of Moscow under the bright night lights!

On this tour, you can expect to see incredible views and the magical transformation sunset has on Moscow’s most iconic buildings, the highlights of which being:

• The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is a more solemn yet festive sight with its dimly lit lanterns.
• Basil's Cathedral’s fun and colourful onion domes give off the aura of a mysterious castle, growing out of the darkness of the imposing State Duma building nearby.
• The spectacularly illuminated Bolshoi Theatre and the Alexander Garden walkway, itself painted in a whimsical pattern of shadows.
• The legendary Lubyanka Square, steeped in secrecy; just its hearing its name after dark is enough to trigger goosebumps, given its murky past.
• The House on the Embankment, where old legends are revived and ghostly silhouettes lurk.
• The Russian State Library, where vague shadows have been seen flickering in its windows. Who knows, could this be the legendary bibliologist Rubakin protecting the works of literary art that lie within its walls?
• Incredible views from the height of the observation deck at Sparrow Hills. The candle-like skyscrapers of "Moscow-City" shoot into the night in a blaze of glorious light, all reflected back to the observer by the dark waters of the Moscow River. Lest not forget the blood-red fountains on Poklonnaya Hill! An absolutely fantastic spectacle which cannot be seen by day.

Our expert guides will share one thousand and one interesting stories about the aforementioned and other sights, whilst at the same time detailing the vast history of our beautiful capital, past and present.

Come with us and treat yourself to an unforgettable experience amongst the bright lights if Moscow!

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Meeting point We'll pick you up at your hotel

St. Basil's Cathedral

House on the Embankment

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Vorobyovy Hills

Poklonnaya Hill

Moscow-City

Alexander garden

Russian State Library

Bolshoi Theatre

End of the tour

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• Excursion Moscow at Night: City Sightseeing Tour by Car/Bus
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