Invercargill to Stewart Island: A Self-Drive & Ferry Adventure
Invercargill to Stewart Island is one of New Zealand’s great off-the-beaten-track trips, combining a short drive to Bluff with a one-hour ferry or quick flight across Foveaux Strait before you reach wild beaches, kiwi country and sheltered walks in Oban and Ulva Island. With RaD Car Hire from Invercargill, you can turn the transfer into a proper Southland road trip, adding Bluff, Riverton or even the Southern Scenic Route before or after your island stay.
Why this route is special
If you ask the RaD Invercargill team for a recommendation that feels truly different from the usual New Zealand road trip, Stewart Island comes up fast. It’s close enough for a short escape, but remote enough to feel like you have left the mainstream behind, which is exactly why it appeals to travellers chasing NZ off-the-beaten-path experiences.
The journey matters as much as the destination. You drive south through Southland to Bluff, then cross Foveaux Strait by ferry or take a flight from Invercargill Airport or Bluff, depending on how much time you have and how you prefer to travel. That mix of road and sea gives the trip a sense of progression that feels bigger than the map suggests.
RaD Invercargill tip: The team often tells visitors not to treat Bluff as just a departure point. Give yourself time for the foreshore, the signpost at Stirling Point and a proper lunch before you head over to Stewart Island.
How to get there
There are two main ways to reach Stewart Island from the mainland. The ferry from Bluff takes about one hour each way, while flights from Invercargill are much quicker and work well for shorter itineraries.
Ferry from Bluff
The ferry is the most scenic and flexible option for many travellers. It lets you carry more luggage, enjoy the crossing and build the trip around the rhythm of the sea rather than airport schedules.
Good for: travellers with a little more time, people who want the classic arrival experience and anyone planning to stay at least two nights. Stewart Island specialists recommend staying longer if you can, because the island rewards slower travel.
Flight from Invercargill
If time is tight, a flight from Invercargill is the quickest way across. That makes it perfect for short breaks, business add-ons or travellers who want to reduce transit time and maximise walking and wildlife time on the island itself.
Good for: day trips, shorter stays and visitors who want to spend as much time as possible in Oban or on guided walks.
RaD Te Anau tip: Te Anau staff often suggest flights for travellers on a wider Southern Scenic Route itinerary who want to avoid squeezing a ferry connection into a tight schedule. It’s easier to keep the road trip flexible if you’re not racing the clock.
Suggested road trip from Invercargill
A self-drive and ferry adventure works best when you treat Invercargill as part of the experience rather than just the start point. The city has enough character to justify a night either side of your island stay, especially if you want a smooth departure and a relaxed return.
Day 1 - Invercargill to Bluff
The drive from Invercargill to Bluff is short, but there’s no reason to rush. You can stop for lunch, stretch at the harbour and take in the Southernmost Point sign at Stirling Point before boarding the ferry or heading to the air connection.
Things worth doing on the way or just before departure:
- Visit Stirling Point for the classic signpost photo.
- Stop for seafood or oysters in Bluff if they’re in season.
- Pick up snacks and drinks in Invercargill so you’re not relying on limited island supermarket timing.
RaD Invercargill tip: The branch team recommends keeping your car fuelled well before the Bluff run, even though it’s short, because island departures can run early and you will appreciate a relaxed buffer if weather or boarding timing shifts.
Where to eat in Invercargill before you go
Invercargill is a good city to stock up on a proper meal before you head off-grid. Look for a good breakfast or brunch in town, then plan something simple and hearty for dinner if you are staying overnight before your ferry or flight.
The key is not to overcomplicate the transition. The island is the main event, but a comfortable night in Invercargill helps the whole trip feel smoother.
Check out of travel guide for things to do in Invercargill for great tips on places to eat, where to stay and things to do.
What to do on Stewart Island
Stewart Island, or Rakiura, is built for slow exploration. The island has a reputation for wildlife, flat-to-moderate walks and a sense of wildness that’s hard to find anywhere else in New Zealand.
1. Explore Oban
Oban is the main settlement and the best place to orient yourself. It’s small enough to feel manageable on arrival, but still has enough cafés, accommodation and harbour views to make you happy you stayed.
Start with a wander around the village, then decide whether your first afternoon is for a walk, a coffee or a boat booking. That flexibility is one of the best parts of Stewart Island travel.
2. Walk the short trails
You don’t need to commit to a major tramp to enjoy the island. RealNZ notes that Stewart Island is a walker’s paradise, with plenty of day walks and shorter trails that are generally flatter and easier than many mainland alpine routes.
Popular options include:
- Bathing Beach for a short walk and picnic.
- Harbour-side strolls around Oban.
- Longer day walks if you want a fuller nature experience.
RaD Dunedin tip: The Dunedin team often reminds travellers that Stewart Island rewards “just one more walk” thinking. If you’re tempted to fit everything into one day, slow down and give yourself room to wander.
3. Ulva Island
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Ulva Island is one of the island’s biggest draws and a major reason many visitors come here in the first place. It’s a predator-free sanctuary and a highlight for birdlife, photography and immersive nature experiences.
A guided visit is worth considering if you want to understand what you are seeing rather than just walking through it. The island’s birdlife is one of its defining strengths, and having a knowledgeable guide can add context that makes the whole trip richer.
4. Kiwi spotting at night
Stewart Island is famous for kiwi encounters, and many travellers come specifically to increase their chances of seeing one in the wild. If you’re staying overnight, a guided kiwi experience is one of the most memorable things to do in the region.
This is also where the island differs sharply from a more conventional South Island itinerary. On Stewart Island, wildlife is not a side note - it is the point.
5. Sea kayaking or boat cruising
Paterson Inlet is ideal for calm water exploration, and kayak or boat options are a great way to see the coast, inlets and remote beaches from a different angle. For many visitors, this is the activity that turns Stewart Island from “interesting” into “unforgettable”.
RaD Te Anau tip: The Te Anau team likes to recommend at least one water-based activity if the weather cooperates. The island’s sheltered inlets are a completely different experience from the road drive to Bluff, and they show you why this area feels so remote.
Food and practical tips on the island
Oban has enough dining options to keep you comfortable, especially if you’re staying a night or two. A classic local meal, seafood dish or café lunch works well between walks and wildlife outings.
Practical things to keep in mind:
- Book ferry or flights ahead if your dates are fixed.
- Pack for changeable weather, even in summer.
- Bring walking shoes that can handle mud and uneven ground.
- Keep your itinerary flexible because weather can change plans quickly.
The best approach is to think of the island as a place to slow down rather than a destination to tick off. That mindset makes the trip more enjoyable.
Invercargill stops worth adding
If you have time before or after the island, Invercargill is worth more than a quick overnight. It connects neatly with the wider Southland story and gives you a chance to explore more of the region’s food, heritage and low-key character.
Possible add-ons include:
- Bluff for oysters and coastal views.
- Riverton on a broader Southland loop.
- A longer Southern Scenic Route journey if you are already road tripping through the lower South Island.
RaD Invercargill tip: Staff often suggest using Invercargill as a decompression base after Stewart Island rather than racing onward immediately. A comfortable night in town makes the return to the mainland feel less abrupt.
Why hire a car for this trip
A rental car is what turns Stewart Island travel into a proper Southland experience. It lets you travel at your own pace, stop in Bluff, add Invercargill time and keep the whole trip flexible around ferry schedules or flights.
It’s also the easiest way to combine the island with other Invercargill road trips. That matters if you want more than a point-to-point transfer. By having your own wheels, you can create a journey that includes food stops, wildlife detours and time to enjoy the southern coast properly.
Conclusion
Invercargill to Stewart Island is one of New Zealand’s most rewarding short adventures, blending a relaxed Southland drive with a ferry or flight into a world of birdlife, native forest, harbour views and wonderfully slow travel. From Bluff’s harbour edge to Oban’s village streets, Ulva Island’s bird sanctuary and the chance of kiwi after dark, this is a trip that feels genuinely different from the usual tourist trail.
If you’re planning Stewart Island travel, building out Invercargill road trips or looking for an NZ off-the-beaten-path experience with real personality, rent with RaD Car Hire from our Invercargill branch and one of our 22 branches nationwide. Our local teams in Invercargill, Dunedin and Te Anau can help you plan the road section, time the ferry or flight and make sure you have the right vehicle for a smooth, stress-free Southland adventure.
FAQ - Invercargill to Stewart Island
What is the best way to get to Stewart Island from Invercargill?
The most common options are the ferry from Bluff, which takes about one hour, or a short flight from Invercargill. The ferry suits travellers who want the classic crossing and more luggage flexibility, while the flight is best if you want to maximise time on the island itself.
Do I need to stay overnight on Stewart Island?
Yes, staying at least one night is strongly recommended, and two nights is even better. That gives you time for Oban, Ulva Island, a night kiwi experience and at least one relaxed walk without feeling rushed.
What are the best things to do on Stewart Island?
The most popular experiences are kiwi spotting, walking the island’s shorter trails, visiting Ulva Island, exploring Oban and getting out on Paterson Inlet by boat or kayak.
Can I do Stewart Island as a day trip from Invercargill?
It is possible, especially by flight, but an overnight stay is much better if you want to enjoy the wildlife and walks properly. Day trips limit how much of the island you can see and can feel rushed if you also need to connect with a ferry or transfer.
Is there much to do in Bluff before the ferry?
Yes. Bluff is worth a proper stop, not just a departure point. Stirling Point, the foreshore and a seafood or oyster meal make it a worthwhile part of the journey.