Oban (Stewart Island) - Ulva Island
Ferry to Stewart Island
Oban (Stewart Island) - Ulva Island
Ferry to Stewart Island
Fares for the Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island crossing usually range somewhere between $188* and $189*. Most travellers pay around $188* for a Oban (Stewart Island) Ulva Island ferry ticket, and the cheapest fares on this route begin at $188*. Foot passengers can expect to pay roughly $188* 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 September 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 Oban (Stewart Island) Ulva Island route generally kick off from Oban (Stewart Island) at around 10:30, and the last departure of the day is usually around 11:15.
You certainly can — with a short crossing and sailings running daily, Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva 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 Oban (Stewart Island) and Ulva Island.
Bicycles aren't currently accepted on sailings between Oban (Stewart Island) and Ulva Island.
Yes, Ulva Island Water Taxi carries foot passengers between Oban (Stewart Island) and Ulva Island.
Pets aren't currently permitted on ferries between Oban (Stewart Island) and Ulva Island. Our Deal Finder can help you find a nearby route that does allow them.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are often treated differently to general pets, even on routes where pets aren't allowed. Contact our customer service team to find out what's possible on your sailing, or check our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Whether the Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva 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 Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva 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 Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva 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 Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva 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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| Oban (Stewart Island) - Ulva Island Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $188 | |
| Oban (Stewart Island) - Ulva Island Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Stewart Island |
| Destination | Stewart Island |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Ulva Island Water Taxi |
| Average Price | $188 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 1 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 7 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 30 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 30 m |
| First Ferry | 10:30 |
| Last Ferry | 11:15 |
| Distance | 2 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026.
Oban is found on the popular tourist destination of Stewart Island, the third largest belonging to New Zealand. The only ferry route departing the port is to Bluff on South Island, supplied by Stewart Island Experience Ferries and typically lasts around an hour.
