Ferry from New Zealand to Stewart Island

About New Zealand

New Zealand is an island nation in the south-west Pacific Ocean consisting of the North and South Islands, approximately 1,500 kilometres east of Australia. When it comes to awe-inspiring natural backdrops, New Zealand’s landscape tops the list. Glacial fjords, jagged mountains, rolling green plains, cascading rivers, active volcanoes and idyllic beaches fill this 268,021-sq-km nation. Also, with a population of just 4.6 million, it offers the ideal scenery for long, peaceful hikes. When it comes to urban areas, New Zealand doesn’t fail to deliver, either. The capital, Wellington is the cultural hub, characterised by Victorian architecture and a vibrant downtown, whilst the affluent Auckland, with its iconic Sky Tower, boasts superb restaurants and a superyacht-filled harbour. As a country comprising 2 main islands and numerous offshore islets, travelling by ferry is a popular way to get around New Zealand. There are plenty of fast crossings to the Hauraki Islands by Auckland, between the North and South Islands and to Stewart Island in the south.

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.