Oban (Stewart Island) Ferries

The port of Oban (Stewart Island) plays a key role in the ferry network of New Zealand, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 2 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry companies, Oban (Stewart Island) serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Oban (Stewart Island), with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Bluff - Oban (Stewart Island) connecting Oban (Stewart Island) with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Stewart Island Experience run regular services from Oban (Stewart Island), offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Oban (Stewart Island) offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

The primary route to Oban is via a 1-hour ferry crossing from Bluff, the southernmost town on New Zealand's South Island, located about 30 kilometers from Invercargill. Regular ferry services operate throughout the year, with more frequent crossings during summer months. Travelers can reach Bluff by car or bus from Invercargill, which is connected to major South Island cities by road and rail networks. The ferry terminal in Bluff offers secure parking facilities for those driving, though advance booking is recommended during peak seasons. For those with limited time, water taxis provide faster transfers between Bluff and Oban, while charter boats offer scenic alternatives for groups.

Nestled on Stewart Island, Oban serves as the gateway to New Zealand's third largest island and a pristine wilderness paradise. This charming village of fewer than 400 residents offers a genuine escape from the mainland hustle, surrounded by the clear waters of Halfmoon Bay and the ancient forests of Rakiura National Park. As the island's only settlement, Oban welcomes ferry travelers to a world where nature reigns supreme and the pace of life slows to match the gentle rhythm of the surrounding sea.

Stewart Island enjoys a temperate maritime climate, though its southerly location means weather can change rapidly throughout the year. Summer (December to February) offers the most reliable weather with temperatures between 16-20°C, longer daylight hours, and the best conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing. Autumn (March to May) brings stunning golden colors to the landscape and fewer visitors, while still maintaining relatively mild conditions. Winter (June to August) provides a unique opportunity to witness the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) dancing across the night sky. Ferry services operate year-round but may be subject to cancellation during severe weather, particularly in winter months when the Foveaux Strait can become quite rough.

From Oban's welcoming harbor, ferry connections open up exploration of several remarkable destinations. Ulva Island, just a 10-minute water taxi ride away, offers a predator-free bird sanctuary where rare native species thrive among pristine forest tracks. The remote Mason Bay on Stewart Island's western coast, accessible by water taxi (1.5 hours), rewards visitors with vast deserted beaches and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. For experienced adventurers, Port Pegasus in the island's southern reaches can be reached by charter boat (3-4 hours), revealing dramatic granite outcrops and secluded anchorages rarely seen by tourists. The waters surrounding Stewart Island also offer passage to multiple smaller islands with significant ecological importance, making Oban an ideal base for nature enthusiasts.

Stewart Island offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with New Zealand's natural heritage, starting with the Rakiura Track, one of the country's Great Walks that showcases the island's diverse ecosystems over a 32km circuit. Evening kiwi-spotting tours provide rare chances to observe these iconic flightless birds in their natural habitat, as Stewart Island hosts the highest density of wild kiwi in New Zealand. The Rakiura Museum chronicles the island's fascinating history of Māori settlement, whaling, and fishing industries through engaging exhibits. Culinary adventurers shouldn't miss sampling the island's famous blue cod and fresh crayfish at the local restaurants, where seafood travels mere meters from boat to plate. For spectacular views, the short but rewarding hike to Ackers Point lighthouse reveals panoramic vistas across Paterson Inlet and the Foveaux Strait.

Stewart Island's Māori name, Rakiura, means 'glowing skies' – a reference to both the spectacular sunsets and the Aurora Australis that can be viewed here. The island is home to just 28km of roads but over 280km of walking tracks, highlighting its commitment to preserving natural wilderness over development. Despite its small population, Oban boasts New Zealand's southernmost pub, where locals and visitors gather to share tales beneath a ceiling decorated with thousands of international banknotes left by travelers. Perhaps most remarkably, Stewart Island has a human-to-kiwi ratio of 1:50, making it the only place in New Zealand where humans are vastly outnumbered by their national bird.