Bluff - Oban (Stewart Island)
Ferries to Stewart Island
Bluff - Oban (Stewart Island)
Ferries to Stewart Island
Bluff Oban (Stewart Island) ferry prices tend to range between $111* and $703*. The average price for ferries from Bluff Oban (Stewart Island) is typically $455*. The cheapest Bluff Oban (Stewart Island) ferry prices start from $111*. The average foot passenger price is $455*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated September 26.
We offer a fast way to compare ferry tickets and costs across the world to make your choice smooth sailing. Check out our Special Offers page for discounts on select routes and operators. Remember to book early for the best prices and options!
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts all year round. When searching for ferries, senior discounts will be automatically applied if they are available. Just select your age range from the passenger options.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
The first Bluff Oban (Stewart Island) ferry typically departs from Bluff at around 09:15. The last ferry usually departs at 17:30.
Yes, you can take a day trip between Bluff and Oban (Stewart Island). Day trips from Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island) by ferry are very popular due to the short journey time and daily crossings. If possible, taking a vehicle is also a good way to explore a little further afield, at your own pace, with your own space - if you’re looking for inspiration or things to do when you’re there, check out our blog.
No, ferry operators currently do not allow cars to travel on sailings between Bluff and Oban (Stewart Island).
Currently, you cannot take your bicycle on board any ferries from Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island).
Yes, foot passengers can travel with Stewart Island Experience ferries between Bluff and Oban (Stewart Island).
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island) with Stewart Island Experience. The average price for travelling with a pet on board Bluff Oban (Stewart Island) ferries is $445.
Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated September 26.
In general, you’ll need the following things when travelling with your pet on board a ferry:
Where your pet stays during the ferry crossing depends on the ferry operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing, whilst others offer designated pet areas, as well as pet-friendly cabins and lounges. Our Deal Finder shows you all the different options, so you can decide which ferry crossing best suits you and your pet’s travel needs.
There are a few things to keep in mind when travelling with guide and assistance dogs. We also recommend contacting our customer service team or notifying the ferry company at the time of booking that you’ll be travelling with a guide dog or assistance dog.
You should also ensure that you have any necessary certificates and documentation with you, as you may be asked to present them when boarding or whilst you’re on board.
Please note that even if pets aren’t allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. You can check the specific rules on your preferred sailing with our customer service. For general information on travelling with assistance dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page.
Whether an overnight ferry is available on the route between Bluff and Oban (Stewart Island) depends on various factors. To find out if there is an overnight ferry available, simply enter your details; our search results will then provide you with the information on whether your preferred ferry sails overnight. Here you can also find the current ferry timetables and crossing times, as well as alternatives for day passages.
Please note that the duration of the night ferries can at times be slightly longer than that of the day ferries.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so it's important to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when travelling from Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island), along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
To book your ferry tickets, simply enter your departure and arrival ports and the date you’d like to travel to see all available options and prices. You’ll also be able to view alternative routes and times, so you can find the best deal to suit you.
Look out for early booking discounts or special ticket options such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that allow you to change or cancel your booking. To make your sailing as smooth as possible, make sure you enter all the required information correctly, such as the number of passengers and vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve finalised your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It depends on the ferry operator you book with as to how your boarding pass is issued and collected.
Whilst some ferry operators issue the boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, others may ask you to check in at the port. There’s also the option for online check-in, which can be easily done via the Direct Ferries app, if available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and to check in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance, etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be various reasons why there are no departures from Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island) for the date you’ve requested. For example, a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal changes in the timetable. We recommend checking for alternative dates and routes.
The best time to book ferries from Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island) is usually as early as possible. By booking in advance, you’ll not only get your tickets at the best available prices, but you’ll also get a better choice of departure times and cabin/seating options.
We’d recommend making your booking at least a few weeks in advance to benefit from the best offers. Bear in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and availability.
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| Bluff - Oban (Stewart Island) Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $455 | |
| Bluff - Oban (Stewart Island) Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | New Zealand |
| Destination | Stewart Island |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Stewart Island Experience |
| Average Price | $455 |
| Average Pet Price | $445 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 2 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 16 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h |
| First Ferry | 09:15 |
| Last Ferry | 17:30 |
| Distance | 22 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026.
Bluff is a town and seaport on the southern coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Stewart Island Experience have four daily sailings heading to the country’s southernmost inhabited island settlement, Oban, from the port with journey duration taking just an hour.
What should I do in Bluff?
The Maritime Museum is a must visit for anyone who is travelling along the Southern Scenic Route. Being the home to the oldest European settled community in the country brings with it a wealth of maritime history. There are displays of whaling, oystering and shipwrecks for you to admire. The town is dominated by Bluff Hill and this provides world class walks along the coastline and native bush. Along the shoreline is the beautiful Omaui Beach and freshwater lagoon which is well worth a trip. The Southland area is also the ideal place to play some magnificent and picturesque golf courses
What are the transport links like?
The town is the southern terminus of the Bluff Branch railway service and lies twenty miles south of Invercargill. It’s also well connected by road with State Highway 1 running straight into the town.
What services run from the port?
The Port of Bluff provides four daily sailings south to Oban on Stewart Island. The twenty eight weekly journeys are all provided by Stewart Island Experience with the trip taking just an hour to complete.
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