Bluff - Oban (Stewart Island)
Ferry to Stewart Island
Bluff - Oban (Stewart Island)
Ferry to Stewart Island
Fares for the Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island) crossing usually range somewhere between $134* and $838*. Most travellers pay around $538* for a Bluff Oban (Stewart Island) ferry ticket, and the cheapest fares on this route begin at $134*. Foot passengers can expect to pay roughly $538* on average.
Fares vary according to passenger count, vehicle type, the route itself and what time you sail. Figures come from fares searched in the previous 30 days, don't include service fees, and were last checked August 26.
There's a quick way to stack up ferry fares and operators from around the world side by side, so you can pick the crossing that best suits you. Getting in early tends to open up the widest choice of prices and sailing times.
Direct Ferries has discounts running throughout the year. Where a senior discount applies to your crossing, it's applied the moment you pick the matching age bracket in the passenger section of your search.
If you're a student or recent graduate, a 5% discount is up for grabs. Head to our partner Student Beans to confirm your status and you'll receive a code to enter at checkout.
A handful of Spanish and Italian ferry routes also offer a resident discount — choose the "Residents" option if it appears during your search and the lower fare is applied straight away. You'll usually need to show proof of address, like a residency card or certificate, when you check in.
Sailings on the Bluff Oban (Stewart Island) route generally kick off from Bluff at around 09:15, and the last departure of the day is usually around 17:30.
You certainly can — with a short crossing and sailings running daily, Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island) is an easy day trip. Taking a vehicle, where possible, gives you the freedom to explore a bit further once you land.
No, vehicles aren't currently accepted on sailings between Bluff and Oban (Stewart Island).
Bicycles aren't currently accepted on sailings between Bluff and Oban (Stewart Island).
Yes, Stewart Island Experience carries foot passengers between Bluff and Oban (Stewart Island).
Pet owners are in luck — Stewart Island Experience allows pets on board between Bluff and Oban (Stewart Island). Travelling with a pet on this crossing costs an average of $540.
Fares reflect searches from the last 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last checked August 26.
Before you bring a pet on board, it helps to have the following sorted:
It depends on which operator you're sailing with — some ferries keep pets in your vehicle for the whole trip, while others have dedicated pet areas, kennels, or even pet-friendly cabins. Our Deal Finder lays out the options so you can pick the crossing that works for your pet.
There's a bit to know before travelling with a guide or assistance dog. Let our customer service team know in advance, or mention it to the ferry operator when you book, so everything's arranged ahead of time.
Carry any certification or documentation your dog needs, since you could be asked to show it at boarding or partway through the crossing.
Rules for guide dogs and assistance dogs can differ from general pet policy, even on sailings where pets aren't otherwise allowed. Reach out to our customer service team to check what applies to your sailing, or visit our Special Assistance Help page for more detail.
Whether the Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island) route has an overnight sailing depends on a mix of factors. Search with your travel dates, and we'll show you whether an overnight option exists, plus current timetables, crossing times and daytime alternatives.
Note that overnight sailings can occasionally take a bit longer than daytime crossings.
What you'll need to travel varies by route, so it pays to check ahead of your sailing. A valid passport is typically required for the Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island) crossing, along with any visa or national ID required for your nationality. As rules depend on both where you're from and where you're headed, our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide is worth a read to avoid any hold-ups at check-in.
Booking couldn't be simpler — select your departure port, arrival port and travel date to see everything on offer. From there, you can weigh up alternative routes and departure times to land on the best fit.
Look for early-booking deals and flexible fare types, like upgrades or flexi-tickets, which give you room to change plans later. Double-check details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specs as you go, to keep the booking process painless.
You'll get a confirmation email the moment your booking goes through. From there, how your boarding pass turns up depends on the operator.
Some operators send the boarding pass straight away, while others want you to check in at the port. Where it's on offer, online check-in through the Direct Ferries app can save you time at the terminal.
Ticket desks tend to sit right by the ferry terminal. Building in some extra time before you sail means you won't be rushed collecting tickets and getting checked in.
Have your confirmation email and valid photo ID — a passport or identity card — ready at check-in. If a pet's travelling with you, bring their vaccination and insurance papers, and hold onto proof of address if you booked with a resident discount.
A gap in sailings from Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island) on your chosen date usually comes down to something like a timetable adjustment, limited space, or a seasonal dip in service. Try a different date, or browse other options with our Route & Port finder.
Generally speaking, booking your Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island) ferry sooner rather than later pays off — earlier bookings usually mean lower fares and more choice of departure times and cabins.
A few weeks' lead time is usually enough to catch a good deal, though fares can still move around depending on the season and what's left available.
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| Bluff - Oban (Stewart Island) Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $538 | |
| Bluff - Oban (Stewart Island) Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | New Zealand |
| Destination | Stewart Island |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Stewart Island Experience |
| Average Price | $538 |
| Average Pet Price | $540 |
| 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 August 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.
