Cruise Ship Shore Excursions

Stewart Island has a number of cruise ships visiting this coming season.  For the larger cruise ships shore excursions are available as shown below subject to minimum numbers and suitable weather. 

Prior bookings are essential.  We may not be able to accommodate late bookings. 

Our terms and conditions specifically for cruise ship customers are:

  • You must have the fitness level to undertake the tour.
  • You must be able to embark / disembark our vehicles / vessel with minimal assistance. 
  • Each tour that is available is linked to the detailed pages of our website. 
  • Payment is required at the time of booking.
  • If the cruise ship cancels due to weather or any other reason or changes its date of arrival and we cannot offer a tour, we will refund 50% of your tour costs. 
  • If you cancel 22 days or more we will refund 70% of your tour cost. 
  • If you cancel for whatever reason within 21 days of your tour date, there is no refund.
  • If we cancel due to weather or for whatever reason beyond our control you will receive a 100% refund.
  • You are advised to have travel insurance. 
  • Payment by credit card carries a 3% credit card fee. 
  • You will need to complete our online booking form so we have your details to confirm a booking.
  • Our cut-off date for offering shore excursions will be 7 days prior to your cruise ship arrival date in Stewart Island.  

Shore excursions can be offering for the following visiting Cruise Ship:

  • Silver Moon - 11th December 2026
  • Silver Moon - 24th January 2027
  • Silver Moon - 7th February 2027
  • Azamara Quest - 13th February 2027
  • Seabourn Quest - 4th March 2027
  • Europa 2 - 10th March 2027

Cruise Ships

  • Options Available

    Island Culture Scenic Road Tour + Rakiura Great Walk
    Ulva Island Birds & Forest 3.5 hours
    Paterson Inlet Wildlife Cruise 1.5 or 2.5 hours
    Island Culture Scenic Road Tour 1.5 or 2 hours
    We may have other options subject to group bookings. Please enquire.

    OPTION 1: Island Culture Scenic Road Tour + Rakiura Great Walk

    customised tour combining Oban's scenic sites by road and a picturesque coastal walk on the Rakiura Great Walk.

    The walk on the Rakiura Track is on a flat, well formed, gravel path with steps down to beach. 

    Duration: 3 hours, being 1.5 on scenic road tour, 1.25 hours on coastal walk, 0.25 hours return to Oban. 

    Time: Determined based on cruise ship arrival / departures and bookings. 

    Departs: Ruggedy Range Booking Office - in centre of Oban.

    Returns: Oban or at your cruise ship tender. 

    Cost: NZ $210.00 per adult 

    Minimum: 8 persons. Maximum: 10 persons.

    Enquire Here

     

    OPTION 2: Ulva Island Birds & Forest Guided Walk

    Visit a predator-free nature sanctuary to view native birds and stroll in a near-pristine native forest with podocarp trees, ferns, mosses, orchids in season. 

    Duration: 3.5 hours, including travel to and from Ulva Island approx. 10 mins each way. 

    Time: Determined on cruise ship arrival, departure and bookings. Approx. 9.00 am to 12.30 pm

    Departs from / Returns to: Golden Bay Wharf 

    Cost: NZ $180.00 p.p.

    Minimum: 8 persons.  Maximum: 10 persons.

    Details: see Ulva Island Birds & Forest Guided Walk 

    Book Here

     

    OPTION 3: Paterson Inlet Wildlife Cruise

    Enjoy the thrill of viewing albatross, penguins, shorebirds and other seabirds at close range.  Excellent photo opportunities. 

    Duration: 1.5 hours. 
    Note: if there is sufficient demand we can run a 2.5 hours from 1.15 pm to 3.45 pm (NZ $185.00 p.p.).

    Time: Determined on cruise ship arrival, departure and bookings. Morning or afternoon. 

    Departs from / Returns to: Golden Bay Wharf

    Cost: NZ $155.00 per adult (1.5 hour tour)

    Minimum: 8 persons. Maximum: 10 persons. 

    Details: See Paterson Inlet Wildlife Cruise 

    Book Here

     

    OPTION 4 - Island Culture Scenic Road Tour

    A scenic road tour highlighting beautiful scenery and places of interest. Disembarking for short walks to view points. 

    Duration: 1.5 hours
    Note: subject to demand and availability we can run a 2 hour tour (NZ $130.00 per adult)

    Time: Determined on cruise ship arrival, departure and bookings. Approx. 1.5 hours. 

    Departs from / Returns to: Oban

    NZ $95.00 per adult for 1.5 hours 

    Minimum 8 persons. Maximum 10 persons. 

    Details: See Island Culture Scenic Road Tour 

    Book Here