Boat Rides & Cruises in Stewart Island
THE 10 BEST Stewart Island Boat Rides & Cruises
Boat Rides & Cruises in Stewart Island
Category types
Types of Attractions
Boat Tours & Water Sports
Awards
Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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Boat Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours
Sightseeing Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing
Taxis & Shuttles • Boat Tours
Taxis & Shuttles • Boat Tours
Boat Tours
What travellers are saying
- Gerard KDundalk, Ireland24 contributionsFantastic Ferry trip Bluff to Stuart Island return. Absolute must do adventure. The Island is really beautiful. Friendly, relaxed, lots to do, doc centre, accomadation for every pocket. RecommendedWritten 6 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andrew SLiphook, UK87 contributionsI spent one of my two days on Stewart Island taking three trips run by Furhana of RaggedyRange. A seabird spotting trip for a couple of hours (Inc three kinds of Albatross, little blue penguins and a massive flock of Sooty Sheerwater then half a day on Ulva island (nearly all the birds you'd go to see were seen), then kiwi spotting after dark - and yes we saw a kiwi.
Furhana is passionate about natural history and conservation. She has encyclopedic knowledge of the wildlife on Stewart Island. She wants all her clients to have the best time and the best chance of seeing what you want. She is very much a "quality not quantity" guide.
So, to get the best out of whatever you book, respect her and her experience and above all respect nature. If you want to walk on a trail for an hour chatting away to your friends, you will scare the wildlife off and see nothing.
It's clear that some folk who've posted reviews dislike her manner and/or style. In my view it is an enormous privilege to go on these tours and see wonderful wildlife, some of which is critically endangered. I'd recommend this company any day of the week.Written 19 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Kim Y22 contributionsTanya and both Dans were super helpful, informative and accommodating. They were willing and able to change our water taxi time and also gave us an additional option if a booking we had from a different company was canceled. We would definitely use Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi again, and would look forward to booking other excursions with them.Written 1 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NickyAuckland, New Zealand12 contributionsFluff was a fantastic host. Incredibly knowledgeable, authentic and a local legend. Great fishing. Saw some huge great whites. Crayfish for lunch. A trip of a lifetime.Written 22 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Judith H4 contributionsThe water was only 15oC but we were well protected in our thick wetsuits and double hooded vests and lasted over an hour in the water. The marine life was amazing as it was in a marine reserve and the water was very clear and we observed much marine life including huge pauas, jelly fish, starfish and lots of fish. Being cold water it was a totally different experience to tropical snorkeling. Ollie is very knowledgeable and briefed us and looked after us very well. Highly recommend this experience.Written 7 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ras0217 contributionsA great experience, getting to see the island from a different perspective, alongside learning about the wildlife and history of the island. Phil is able to get people comfortable in a kayak quickly, and adjust things for all levels. Kayaking is weather dependent, and Phil's communication from the moment I contacted him to ask about dates during our visit, to calling me the day before we arrived to arrange the best time for our trip was excellent. I can't recommend this tour highly enough, and I can't wait to do it again in the future!Written 4 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Voyage505671826852 contributionsGreat morning out with Anthony, highly recommend this charter! Lots on info on birds, fish and local sights. We took home enough fish for a yummy dinner, and would go out again if/when we return to Steward Island.Written 15 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Anne P1 contributionIt was just wonderful. I took 2 men with mild disabilities and Furhana was just so accommodating. They absolutely delighted in the trip. Seeing the Stewart Island albatross was a real highlight. Especially their gliding and swooping all around the boat. A never to be forgotten trip.Written 12 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FiordmanTe Anau, null, New Zealand6 contributionsIan is the best host you could have. He catered for our 2 groups of 30 without any drama. He suggested a format for our sea-life and Ulva Island excursions and he was spot on. Everyone had an incredible time on this perfect vessel.Written 16 August 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- madfisher44Papamoa, New Zealand30 contributionsKeith is an awesome skipper. Very friendly and helpful. My hubby and the other fishers got a bin full of blue cod easily and a few terakihi too. As hubby wanted to catch a trumpeter Keith went out of his way to target them for him. His filleting skills are amazing, so fast and great to watch and he packaged all the fillets into plastic bags for everyone to take. We took some fillets straight to the Kai Kart in Oban and they cooked them for us. How fresh is that!Written 18 February 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rosa CStewart Island, New Zealand67 contributionsLoved my trip out on Oban by Boat on Saturday morning aboard the sweet Ranui. You get to see lots of the little bays around Oban & learn the rich history from the skipper - keep an eye out for the wildlife such as Mollymawks, dolphins and the Fiordland Crested Penguins! This is a must do cruise when you visit here & the boat has many vantage points and plenty of seating options to truly enjoy the trip. It was so nice seeing the township from a different angle from the boat & you can get plenty of fresh sea air from outside or cosy up inside too! I can’t wait to bring my friends aboard next time they visit the island!Written 15 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kelly ATe Anau, New Zealand1 contributionI went on a kayak trip with this company in Feb with my sister. It was awesome and great value. I haven't done much kayaking before but the guide was lovely, friendly and informative and as it was only myself and my sister booked he made the trip to suit us perfectly. The wildlife was out and we were able to get very close. It rained a little bit but as we were provided with wet weather gear this didn't bother us at all. I think this is the best way to see Stewart Island and would recommend this company to anyone. Thanks Rakiura Kayaks for an amazing experience.Written 23 May 2012This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Peter FChristchurch, New Zealand258 contributionsWe went on a pelagic bird trip for 2 hours wanting to see as many of the local birds and wildlife on the open sea and surrounding islands. Sadly not a great experience...it appears the drivers knowledge was very limited and couldn't find much for us to see. I have been on 2 others tours off Stewart Island in the past and they were truly stunning. Strongly DO NOT recommended this company for this purpose. They should stick with water taxi services as they do these ok... as for friendly...very luke warm. Shame as they are ambassadors for the islands. Stewart Island is one of my favorite places in New Zealand.Written 3 March 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
