Bus Tours
1 hour
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 98% of travellers
98% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$59
per adult
RealNZ
RealNZ
4.5
Boat ToursSightseeing ToursNature & Wildlife Tours
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About
Get off the beaten track and discover New Zealand’s third island - unspoilt, tranquil and stunning. Rakiura Stewart Island is the perfect holiday escape.
Tours and Tickets by RealNZ
Day Trips
5 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 94% of travellers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$269
per adult
Sightseeing Cruises
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 96% of travellers
96% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
$139
per adult
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4.5
1,281 reviews
Excellent
880
Very good
278
Average
64
Poor
28
Terrible
31
AndyJewson
West Malling, UK5 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
We booked the shuttle from Invercargill airport to Bluff and the ferry across to Stewart Island. Arrived at the airport expecting a 3 hour wait but found the shuttle bus was there for the earlier time, the driver was very happy to take us early and to sort out an earlier ferry crossing which was really helpful. Had a good chat in the bus on the way to Bluff, learnt a lot about the area. And really enjoyed meeting the driver's dog!
Written 5 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're thrilled to hear that your experience on the ferry to Stewart Island was so positive! It's fantastic that the shuttle driver was accommodating and able to arrange an earlier ferry crossing for you, making your journey more convenient.
Written 9 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jim C
6 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
Used rent a bach accommodation. Very impressed, slept 9 adults, 2 bedrooms downstairs with double bedrooms, one with on suite, and two other bathrooms downstairs. Upstairs one large sleeping facility with 2 double beds. 2 single beds and two bunks. Also had use of 4-wheel vehicle for free, Just paid $20.00 for diesel on departure. Great bush walks, stayed about 1.2kms from hotel, shops and ferry terminal.
Hired a boat and went out for a full day fishing, five adults, great day, got a little cold late in afternoon. Caught about 6 kilos of blue cod after being fileted, given 3 crays by owner of fishing cruise. He really looked after us. We were handling at about 60ft in depth. One of the team actually landed a conga eel on the boat.
Rest of team went on small boat trip for $20.00 and spent a number of hours on Ulva Island doing walks and photographing the wildlife on the Island.
Meals at the hotel were excellent with a good variety on the menu. Hotel had quiz nights on Wednesday and Sunday nights. Hotel was busy every night and there was a great atmosphere there.
Had about 3 days rain while there but still went on walks and amused ourselves playing cards, reading, etc.
A holiday not to be missed.
Will be going again when time permits.
Accommodation was at a premium so if staying bookstore you go.
Hired a boat and went out for a full day fishing, five adults, great day, got a little cold late in afternoon. Caught about 6 kilos of blue cod after being fileted, given 3 crays by owner of fishing cruise. He really looked after us. We were handling at about 60ft in depth. One of the team actually landed a conga eel on the boat.
Rest of team went on small boat trip for $20.00 and spent a number of hours on Ulva Island doing walks and photographing the wildlife on the Island.
Meals at the hotel were excellent with a good variety on the menu. Hotel had quiz nights on Wednesday and Sunday nights. Hotel was busy every night and there was a great atmosphere there.
Had about 3 days rain while there but still went on walks and amused ourselves playing cards, reading, etc.
A holiday not to be missed.
Will be going again when time permits.
Accommodation was at a premium so if staying bookstore you go.
Written 16 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Regina d
Gisborne, New Zealand56 contributions
Feb 2020
It is not cheap to do one of these tours but seeing kiwi in the wild is a once in a lifetime experience. We saw two female kiwis one large, one younger who was kind enough to forage around us for 10 minutes, unperturbed by our presence. The tour starts with an informative briefing, thanks to Gabriel who has a lot of passion for Rakiura, its history and its wildlife. Our boat ride was not in ideal conditions, our intrepid captain Jimmy had to sound the foghorn. Having said this we saw a Hoiho (yellow eyed penguin) in the water, glimpsed shags before the fog closed in. The walk itself is easy. We divided into two groups and stopped frequently to allow Gabriel to listen for the kiwi call and search for them. The beach where they normally feed was swarming with flies and windy so we spent 2 hours in the forest instead and we were rewarded for our quiet and patience. Do not go on this tour if you need to talk all the time or cannot walk quietly. We had a really quiet group who could hide their torchlight quickly and I think this helped as the guide has an infrared torch to light up the kiwi without disturbing them. It is a late night, we got in about 1 am but had biscuits and hot chocolate on the way home. If we had not seen a kiwi we would have been disappointed but would still have enjoyed the experience. The forest at night is a lovely place and the boat ride was really cool, a bit surreal at times in the fog. Four of us did this tour together and we all loved it.
Written 1 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Ora Regina. Thank you for your 5 star review and positive comments. It's great that you were able to observe a variety of wildlife during your trip, and most especially the two Kiwis - very special and no doubt something you won't forget. We hope you can visit Stewart Island again in the future. Kind Regards - The Team at Stewart Island Experience.
Written 5 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
katony1234
Invercargill, New Zealand9 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
We absolutely loved our Doubtful Sound overnight cruise with Real NZ and thoroughly recommend this trip.
From beginning to end, across Lake Manapouri with skipper Ian and crew Karen who were friendly, knowledgeablesnd helpful, to bus driver Reynold who expertly navigated us across the beautiful Wilmot Pass with funny antidotes along the way.
We were greeted by Skipper Blake and Katie's crew who welcomed us aboard and could not have been more helpful.
The food was sensational, thank you Fir. The service, cleanliness and professionalism from everyone was superb from beginning to end.
Enjoyed Div's wonderful slide show and endless knowledge about the area.
This experience is a must do on anyones bucket list.
Recommend +++
From beginning to end, across Lake Manapouri with skipper Ian and crew Karen who were friendly, knowledgeablesnd helpful, to bus driver Reynold who expertly navigated us across the beautiful Wilmot Pass with funny antidotes along the way.
We were greeted by Skipper Blake and Katie's crew who welcomed us aboard and could not have been more helpful.
The food was sensational, thank you Fir. The service, cleanliness and professionalism from everyone was superb from beginning to end.
Enjoyed Div's wonderful slide show and endless knowledge about the area.
This experience is a must do on anyones bucket list.
Recommend +++
Written 25 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, this review has made our day!
So many staff shout outs and kind words. It's awesome to hear.
If you're ever back in Fiordland, the RealNZ crew would love to see you again. It's guests like you that keep us going.
Thanks again. :)
Written 6 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David Hurle
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • Family
Beginning with the crossing of Lake Manapouri and ending with the same this 30 hours approx as we got ourselves to Te Anau was spell binding. The bus drivers could go on 7 days the skipper Blake such a natural Div the nature man had incredible comic timing with a great depth of knowledge. The food was worthy of any food show catering brilliantly for a GF and DF daughter. Just do it. Kayak swim be prepared to be stunned to silence by the sheer beauty. BTW We went in a Fiordland drought.
Written 17 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for such a positive and insightful review. We're so glad you had a great time on our Doubtful Sound Overnight experience and enjoyed every part of the trip. Be sure to come and visit Fiordland again in a full storm! You'll be wonderfully surprised with the change of mood.
Written 6 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kiwifam945
Auckland, New Zealand90 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
It’s one of those things we always say “must go there someday” and we’re so glad we made the trip as a family today. Flew with Glenorchy Air from Queenstown at 9am. Weather was quite cloudy but that made a very scenic low flight over beautiful Southland. Were picked up from airfield & dropped in Oban where we picked up our pre-ordered picnic lunch packs from New World @ $15pp they were excellent. Short walk over hill to Golden Bay wharf where we met Rakiura Charters water taxi tour around Paterson Inlet and historic whalers station. Our skipper Chris was 5th gen islander & very interesting. Dropped off on Ulva Island where we bought $2 booklet to self guide the stunning bush tracks. Ate lunch on beach at Sydney Cove and strolled over to Boulder Beach before re-boarding the taxi at 2.30pm. Gave ourselves time to have refreshments at iconic South Sea Hotel and browse the local art n craft shops. Met up again with pilot Will @ taxi stop to shuttle back to airfield. Touched down back at QT 5pm after a spectacular flight along mountain ridges. Certainly an experience we will remember for ever and will encourage all friends and family to BOOK asap.
Written 4 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D P
Wellington, New Zealand8,027 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Wow!! The boat was beautiful, the cabin comfy, the staff knowledgeable and super friendly, the food fantastic and the scenery breath takingly gorgeous.
The two night trip gives you time to fully immerse into the sounds and all their beauty. We kayaked or took dingys out on the first morning and some crazies even took a plunge into the crystal clear cold waters.
We saw sea lions and birds and stunning rock formations and learned about the history of the whole region which was very interesting.
We were also lucky enough to get up close and personal to a humpback whale when we entered the Tasman sea which was a surprise bonus for everyone- but that’s what you get for the extra time, more chances to see things you might ordinarily not see.
It was a fantastic trip that was worth every penny. Get booking now though as usually these trips are fully booked by visitors from overseas so not easy to come by when you’re a kiwi!
The two night trip gives you time to fully immerse into the sounds and all their beauty. We kayaked or took dingys out on the first morning and some crazies even took a plunge into the crystal clear cold waters.
We saw sea lions and birds and stunning rock formations and learned about the history of the whole region which was very interesting.
We were also lucky enough to get up close and personal to a humpback whale when we entered the Tasman sea which was a surprise bonus for everyone- but that’s what you get for the extra time, more chances to see things you might ordinarily not see.
It was a fantastic trip that was worth every penny. Get booking now though as usually these trips are fully booked by visitors from overseas so not easy to come by when you’re a kiwi!
Written 10 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colin B
79 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
I recently hired a scooter to get around on Stewart Island. I hired it off Henry who gave me great advice on where to go. I had met Hendry the day before as my wife and l had gone on his bus trip. The bus trip is a great way to see Stewart Island and our tour ended back at the jetty where we went over to Ulva Island. Henry was great to deal with, knowledgeable with a great sense of humour. He went the extra mile and even 3 or 4 days after dealing with us he could remember our names. Someone who cares about his job and customers.
Written 22 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carlmychelled
Auckland, New Zealand25 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
We took advantage of a deal to celebrate Valentines Day/Night cruising Doubtful Sound overnight with the Real Journey’s vessel “Fiordland Navigator”. We expected it would be a great & wonderful experience & we were not disappointed. The crew were great, knowledgeable & kept everyone informed during the trip. We stayed the night in one of the many coves Doubtful Sound has, and in the morning, sailed out to the Tasman Sea. We were fortunate to have great weather, although rain would have made the waterfalls more spectacular but no one can control the weather, however we have now also done the Real Journey’s Milford Sound overnight cruise which had rain, more in that review.
Activities included kayaking or going out on a tender, a quick dip in the sound for those brave or foolish enough, & meals were excellent. We saw abundant wildlife & saw how Doubtful Sound repaired itself after scaring from tree avalanches.
Highly recommend this trip, there is a 2 night option available as well.
Activities included kayaking or going out on a tender, a quick dip in the sound for those brave or foolish enough, & meals were excellent. We saw abundant wildlife & saw how Doubtful Sound repaired itself after scaring from tree avalanches.
Highly recommend this trip, there is a 2 night option available as well.
Written 14 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lara Clement
1 contribution
May 2021 • Couples
We spent three days and two nights in Oban and did three tours with Stewart Island Experience (Ulva Island, Kiwi Night Walk and Village Tour). All the staff were so accommodating, knowledgeable and friendly. The tours were really interesting and enjoyable and their boats, bus and booking centre top notch. Staff went out of their way to help us plan our trips and other things to do such as walks, places to eat, and other places to visit such as the museum and DoC centre. Special mention to Henry, Annie and Taki.
Written 29 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi :) Is it possible to book for 16th or 17th March? These dates are blocked off on your calendar. Thanks, Laura
Written 1 December 2024
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