Our experience was ok, we found the customer service a bit lacking in areas. There were no announcements made to the waiting customers so we were left in the dark as to why we were late in leaving Bluff. Fortunately our crossing both ways was pretty smooth. However going to Stewart Island we were sitting by the skipper and had to put up with an unhappy staff member complaining to him about a work situation for about half the trip, we weren't very impressed with this being aired publicly.
On the return trip we all checked in - about 60 pax - but there was only seating for 3 people. In the waiting passengers there were older people, there were people who walked with crutches or walking sticks but no where for them to sit. This experience could be made better with a bit more focus on the customer after all we are the ones bringing money to the business.

We were lucky with the weather as the sea was smooth. On a rough day the experience might be different. We took the bus transfer from Queenstown to the ferry and to Te Anau from the ferry. These all worked very well and the connections worked easily. Very has a interesting way of handling baggage which means that it is all taken from and delivered back you with no effort on your part. We had a little bit of guiding on the way over which added to the interest of this little sea cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee.

We parked our car at Bluff and took the ferry to the island and vice versa. The ferry is clean and comfortable with toilets (clean) on board. There is a bar with snacks and soft and alcoholic drinks on board at fair prices. The skipper was user friendly and happy to answer any questions. Very punctual and luggage loaded and unloaded very efficiently.