General FAQs

Please contact us if your question has not been answered below.

Questions Answered

  • What is the best time to visit?

    You can visit Stewart Island anytime of the year.

    Most people visit Stewart Island in spring, summer and autumn. Our peak months are late October to April. Some people like to travel in off-peak months when there are fewer people about.

    Some things to consider:

    • Birds are active all year round, but spring and early summer are good months.
    • Flowers and orchids tend to be more prevalent in spring and summer, one orchid flowers in autumn.
    • Days are getting longer from spring and warming up too. In winter days are shorter, and it can be cooler. However, we also can get cooler weather anytime of the year. 
    • Some operators do not work in the off-season. There may be fewer options of things to do in the off-season. We operate most of the off-season, subject to feasible numbers, but will also have some weeks where we do not operate (to take a rest or carry out maintenance work). Prior bookings are recommended for our tours and services, especially in the off-season. 
    • Spring and autumn can have windy days, some winter months can have settled weather. Our weather, however, is extremely changeable and there are no hard and fast rules.
    • Flights and ferry schedules operate daily all year round and on a winter timetable in the off-season.
    • You can eat out or buy food to cook, anytime of the year. Only one restaurant is open during the winter.

  • How can we get to Stewart Island?

    There are two main options for getting to Stewart Island - plane or ferry.

    There are daily scheduled fixed-wing flights between Invercargill Airport and Stewart Island or you can travel by ferry between Bluff to Stewart Island. Helicopters can also be chartered at cost. For details see Getting Here.

  • What is the best way to travel to Stewart Island?

    Mostly it is a matter of personal choice.

    Some things to consider: 

    • You may want to maximise your time in Stewart Island. Consider how much time you want to take up in travelling and how the flight or ferry timetable fits in with your schedules. See Getting Here.
    • Flights only take about 15 - 20 minutes, the ferry takes 1 hour.
    • The plane and ferry travel in most weather.
    • Flying provides a spectacular overview of Stewart Island's northeast coast, our village and surrounding bays, as well our stunning Paterson Inlet.
    • Ferry is enjoyed by people who like being on the water or are trying to spot some seabirds. 

  • Where can we stay in Stewart Island?

    There is a choice of accommodation depending on your preference and budget.

    For details see Accommodation.  Some things to consider:

    • Accommodation is available all year round. Some venues are closed in the off-season.
    • Accommodation is available in the centre of Oban within 5 minutes of all the facilities and within the village surrounds (up to 30 minutes to 1 hour walking distance).
    • Some venues provide courtesy vehicles if the accommodation is not within easy walking distance.