Ferry from New Zealand to Stewart Island

About New Zealand

New Zealand can be found on the south east side of Australia and is made up of two main islands and a number of smaller islands. The two main islands known as the North Island and South Island are separated by the Cook Strait. The five largest inhabited islands aside from the main 2 are Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, Great Barrier Island, d'Urville Island and Waiheke Island. The South Island is the largest landmass of New Zealand, and is divided along its length by the Southern Alps. The North Island is less mountainous but is marked by seismic activity. New Zealand is a land of magnificent beauty and contrasts. Nature reigns supreme. Unspoilt coastlines, lush vegetation, amazing wildlife and a moderate climate make it ideal for visitors wanting to enjoy the outdoors or simply relax. The country's dynamic culture has European, Maori, Pacific and Asian influences. The Kiwis, as the New Zealanders are well known as, are a hospitable and friendly bunch. New Zealand features in the top ten of places travellers would like to visit and chances are you've never meet anyone who has been and didn't love the place. In terms of ferry travel, the two main islands are connected by a 55 mile service across the Cook strait. The ferry journey itself is widely acknowledged one of New Zealand's most iconic sightseeing experiences.

About Stewart Island

Stewart Island, also called Rakiura, is New Zealand’s third largest island, sitting just of the southern coast of the South Island, across the Foveaux Strait. ‘The land of glowing skies’ is one of the nation’s last untouched wildernesses, with over 85% its 1,680 squared-kilometre area classified as National Park. Most come here for birdwatching escapes, hoping to catch a glimpse of rare species like brown kiwi, tokoeka and yellow-eyed penguins. It’s also famed for the 3-day Rakiura Track, an activity suitable for only hardy hikers, but offering sublime views of the native wildlife, flora and the wonderful Aurora Australis in the skies. In fact, there are just 28 kilometres of road, compared to over 280 kilometres of walking trails, making Stewart a haven for explorers. Ferries link Stewart Island and the South Island, with regular crossings all week departing the town of Bluff, arriving in the town of Oban on Stewart’s east coast.