5 days/4 nights: Ex Bluff
Minimum 2 to guarantee departure
Price is based on return ferry ex Bluff. Surcharge for Flights*: From $120.00 per person
Supplement Applies to upgrade to Stewart Island Lodge. POA
Stewart Island is a true nature’s paradise and offers a special experience - a glimpse into a simpler, slower lifestyle, in rhythm with the sea and the tides. 85% of the island’s 1570 square kilometres is a National Park – Rakiura National Park. Stewart Island also has a Dark Sky Sanctuary accreditation by the International Dark Sky Association. Whether you want to enjoy the land, sea and night-scapes, view the wildllife, walk, boat, fish, dive, kayak, hunt or just relax - a Stewart Island holiday is an experience that you will treasure for ever and a must-do experience.
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Itinerary
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Accommodation
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Important Information
Day 1: Bluff to Stewart Island
Your journey starts in Bluff where you will board the Ferry to Stewart Island. Experience Foveaux Strait onboard an express catamaran. During the one-hour crossing on the Stewart Island Ferry between Bluff and Oban keep a lookout for wildlife, especially seabirds. Comprehensive commentaries provide information on the interesting landmarks commonly seen, including Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island, the Titi Islands and Mt Anglem - Stewart Island’s highest point. After crossing Foveaux Strait and arriving at Oban – the main settlement on Stewart Island you will be transferred to the Bay Motel.This afternoon explore Oban and the surrounding bays in a mini-bus tour. Experienced guides enjoy sharing their local knowledge of the history and environment of Stewart Island with you. Gain an insight into New Zealand’s southernmost community. Stewart Islanders are proud of their island, enjoying its simpler, slower pace. Highlights include Lee Bay, the gateway to Rakiura National Park and stunning views of Paterson Inlet from Observation Rock during this 1 hour 30 minute tour. On return to the motel you have the afternoon free to relax.
Day 2: Ulva Island Tour & Night time Kiwi Spotting Tour (B)
Ulva Island (Te Wharawhara), is renowned for its diverse and abundant birdlife with a forest dominated by Rimu, Southern Rata and Kamahi, surrounded by marine reserve. It was visited by Ngai Tahu Maori as part of their food gathering trips and in the 1890s it became one of New Zealand’s first reserves. This 267 hectare island is now predator free, allowing the bird and plantlife to thrive. Today you will be guided by a Stewart Island local, who has the knowledge and know how to take you through Ulva Island. You will be transferred to Ulva Island by water taxi before having an informative and interesting walk on this unique island. Returning to the motel around midday where you have the rest of the afternoon to relax and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.At dusk depart from Stewart Island's Halfmoon Bay in a catamaran for a cruise across Paterson Inlet to Little Glory Cove. During the cruise, pass Ulva Island and learn about Stewart Island's rich history. Once at Little Glory Cove, disembark onto a wharf at the southern part of the peninsula known as The Neck. The walk, led by your nature guide, is on a well-formed track across the peninsula, through spectacular coastal forest to a secluded sandy beach. As dusk sets in and daylight diminishes, venture by torchlight through the native forest with the stars and forest night sounds around you. The walk will take about 45 minutes one-way and the track emerges on to Ocean Beach. This wide sandy beach is where kiwi are often found feeding among the grasses and seaweed. Afterwards retrace your steps through the forest to Little Glory Wharf for your catamaran ride back to Oban township on Stewart Island.
Day 3: Paterson Inlet Cruise (B)
Today depart on a 4hr cruise from Halfmoon Bay, via Harrold's Bay, Ackers Point, and Ringaringa passage. Pass Ulva Island then carry on for a combination tour of the historic Whaler's Base and The Neck, the Big Glory Marine Farms, including any Wildlife spotting opportunities along the way. (Order of sites at skipper discretion). Arrive back at Halfmoon Bay by 2pm where you have the rest of the afternoon free to relax.
Day 4: Free day to explore (B)
Today is at leisure to relax or get active amongst nature. Visit the museum, walk the short tracks, stroll around the bush clad streets – so much to see. Get on a bike – push yourself or grab an electric one. Explore the beaches or get crafty by creating your own pendant out of pounamu (greenstone) with Dave at Rakiura Jade. Hire a kayak and explore the bays in this pristine natures playground.
Day 5: Stewart Island to Bluff (B)
Today it is time to depart this paradise island and return to real life. Board the catamaran and for your cruise across the Straight to Bluff.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- Stewart Island, Ulva Island, Kiwi Spotting, Stewart Island Return Ferry
- Four nights accommodation at your chosen accommodation including Continental Breakfast Daily (B)
Sightseeing includes:
- Stewart Island Return Ferry
- Orientation tour
- Ulva Island Guided Tour
- Wild Kiwi Encounter
- Paterson Inlet Cruise
- DOC Concessions where applicable included
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
Domestic Air Fares, Additional /Optional Tour Costs, Hotel Mini Bar, Sightseeing/Meals not stated in Itinerary.
*Surcharge for Flights Bluff - Stewart Island return: From $120.00 per person
Accommodation based on the below or similar
Stewart Island
Tourist Class - Bay Motel Stewart Island
With panoramic views of the Tasman Sea, Bay Motel overlooks Halfmoon Bay on Stewart Island. All units have views of Half Moon Bay or the surrounding bush. Enjoy the view from your balcony, listening to the local birdlife.
Special Category - Stewart Island Lodge
Supplement Applies for this property
Private and secluded, Stewart Island Lodge is a nice place to relax in comfort while providing a base for your Island exploration. It’s just five minutes’ walk from the village centre where there are restaurants and a small pub. Set on a hillside overlooking Halfmoon Bay.
PAYMENTS:
A non-refundable deposit of $250 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the tour price is required 47 days prior to your travel date. If you book inside 47 days, full payment will be required at the time of booking. If you cancel between 26 and 47 days prior to your travel date 40% of your tour cost will be charged. If you cancel between 8 and 20 days prior to your tour departure you will be charged 60% of your tour cost. Cancellations within 8 working days of departures will incur a 100% cancellation charge. All cancellations must be acknowledged in writing.
Innovative Travel recommends purchasing travel insurance, even when travelling within New Zealand.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Full Terms and conditions are listed on the Innovative Travel website. When a booking is made it is accepted that these are agreed to. They include the following: Itineraries are correct when initially published, however are subject to change due to circumstances outside our control.
Flights are the responsibility of the passenger and Innovative Travel takes no responsibility for costs involved for any changes to flights that might be required due to necessary amendments in itineraries.
Note: Wheelchair passengers
Some activities are not suitable for wheelchair passengers and any passenger requiring wheelchair assistance must be accompanied by a fellow traveller that is capable of assisting with all mobility requirements. Maximum of one wheelchair per group, the wheelchair must be fully collapsible. Further wheelchairs may be allowed subject to group size.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
