Bluff - Oban (Stewart Island)
Ferries to Stewart Island
Bluff - Oban (Stewart Island)
Ferries to Stewart Island
Bluff Oban (Stewart Island) ferry prices usually range between €68* and €434*. The average price for ferries from Bluff Oban (Stewart Island) is typically €281*. The cheapest Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island) ferry prices start from €68*. The average foot passenger price is €281*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated September 26.
We offer a quick way to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, making your choice smooth sailing. Visit our Special Offers page for discounts on selected routes and operators. Remember to book early to secure the best prices and options!
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts throughout the year. When searching for ferries, any available senior discounts will be automatically applied. Simply select your age range from the passenger options.
Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, you need to register with and check out our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You will then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
The first Bluff Oban (Stewart Island) ferry typically departs from Bluff at around 09:15. The last ferry usually departs at 17:30.
Yes, you can enjoy a day trip between Bluff and Oban (Stewart Island). Ferry day trips from Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island) are very popular thanks to the short journey time and frequent daily crossings. Where possible, taking a vehicle is also a great way to explore further afield at your own pace, with the convenience of having your own space.
No, ferry operators currently do not allow cars to travel on sailings between Bluff and Oban (Stewart Island).
Currently, you cannot take your bicycle on board any ferries from Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island).
Yes, foot passengers can travel on ferries from Bluff and Oban (Stewart Island) with Stewart Island Experience.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island) with Stewart Island Experience. The average price for travelling with a pet on board Bluff Oban (Stewart Island) ferries is €275.
Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated September 26.
In general, you’ll need the following when travelling with your pet:
Where your pet stays during the ferry crossing depends on the ferry operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the entire crossing, while others offer designated pet areas, as well as pet-friendly cabins and lounges. Our Deal Finder shows you all the available options, helping you choose the ferry crossing that best suits you and your pet’s travel needs.
There are a few things to keep in mind when travelling with a guide or assistance dog. We recommend contacting our customer service team or notifying the ferry company when booking to let them know you’ll be travelling with a guide or assistance dog.
You should also make sure you have any required certificates and documentation with you, as you may be asked to present them when boarding or during the crossing.
Please note that even if pets aren’t allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. You can check the specific rules on your preferred sailing with our customer service. For general information on travelling with assistance dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page.
Whether an overnight ferry is available between Bluff and Oban (Stewart Island) depends on several factors. To check if an overnight ferry is available, simply enter your details and our search results will show whether your preferred ferry sails overnight. You can also find current ferry timetables and crossing times, along with alternative options for daytime sailings.
Please note that overnight ferry crossings can sometimes take slightly longer than daytime crossings.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so make sure to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when travelling from Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island), along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
To book your ferry tickets, simply enter your departure and arrival ports along with your preferred travel date to see all available options and prices. You can also view alternative routes and sailing times, helping you find the best deal for your needs.
Keep an eye out for early booking discounts and special ticket options, such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that let you change or cancel your booking. To ensure a smooth sailing experience, make sure you enter all the required details correctly, including the number of passengers and your vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve completed your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. How your boarding pass is issued and collected depends on the ferry operator you’ve booked with.
Some ferry operators issue your boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, while others require you to check in at the port. Some may also offer online check-in, which can be completed easily via the Direct Ferries app, where available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and to check in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance, etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be several reasons why there are no departures from Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island) on your chosen date. This could be due to a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal timetable variations. We recommend checking alternative dates and routes to find a suitable crossing.
The best time to book a ferry from Bluff to Oban (Stewart Island) is generally as early as possible. Booking in advance can help you secure the best available prices, as well as a wider choice of departure times and cabin or seating options.
We recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead to take advantage of the best offers. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the season and availability.
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| Bluff - Oban (Stewart Island) Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | €281 | |
| Bluff - Oban (Stewart Island) Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | New Zealand |
| Destination | Stewart Island |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Stewart Island Experience |
| Average Price | €281 |
| Average Pet Price | €275 |
| 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 September 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.
