Top Things to do in Southland Region
Things to do in Southland Region, South Island: The Best Ferries
Discover the best top things to do in Southland Region, New Zealand including Aihe Wildlife Cruises & Water Taxi, Ulva Island Ferry & Water Taxi, Kepler Water Taxi, Stewart Island Ferry - Stewart Island Experience, Stewart Island Experience.
Restaurants in Southland Region
1. Aihe Wildlife Cruises & Water Taxi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Aihe Wildlife Cruises & Water Taxi is a comfortable and stylish boat, custom built to provide excellent all round viewing and maximum photo opportunities She seats 12 passengers and 2 crew. Aihe offers leisurely boat cruises in Paterson Inlet and around the coast of Stewart Island. Aihe also offers a water taxi service to a variety of destinations including: Ulva Island, Freshwater River, Freds Camp, North Arm and Port William. Small group cruises are always personalised for 8 to 12 persons maximum. Tours include: Aihe Pelagic Bird Watching to view our magnificent seabirds including albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, terns, penguins, cormorants, Aihe - Paterson Inlet Wildlife Cruise for penguins, dolphins (when present), other seabirds and shorebirds. For sightseeing and history try our Scenic Cruise & Norwegian Whalers' Base Guided Walk exploring hidden bays. Enjoy interesting commentary on birds / mammals seen, the areas visited. Aihe is also available for private charters.
2. Ulva Island Ferry & Water Taxi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 60 reviews
Adventure is allowing the unexpected happen to you! Experience Ulva Island - the pristine forested island and one of few predator-free sanctuaries in New Zealand- and the unique beauty of Paterson Inlet. Freedom Tours, guided walks and sight seeing with the Ulva Island Ferry for those who prefer the charm of a vintage wooden ferry or with a fast pace custom built vessel.
Reviewed By marionq470
Rakiura, the skipper, did a number of drop offs and pick ups for us while we were on the island including our freshwater landing pick up and my snorkeling trip. He’s obviously experienced, safety conscious and caring. Between them the different companies work together and it feels like they know the whereabouts of every visitor to the island and are looking out for them (which apparently is true - it’s like hanging out with unobtrusive extended family). I’d recommend ulva Island ferries for your trip to the island but also for all your other water taxi needs. Flexible, accommodating and friendly.
3. Kepler Water Taxi
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By nzp0ppy - Nelson-Tasman Region, New Zealand
Brillant service. the boat is just so ideal for the journey across the lake. Very friendly skipper. We took the water taxi over and did a day walk to Luxmore Hut and Mt Luxmore and back down. And we then got the scheduled water taxi back at 4.30pm.
4. Stewart Island Ferry - Stewart Island Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 497 reviews
Stewart Island Experience operates daily ferry service between Bluff and Stewart Island all year around. Stewart Island is New Zealand's ultimate eco-tourism destination and the location of Rakiura National Park. During the one hour ferry crossing, keep a look out for the Mollymawks (Albatross) that often follow the vessel. Daily coach connections operate between Bluff and Invercargill, and in summer also to Te Anau and Queenstown (summer only).
Reviewed By FreddieB_12 - Bristol, United Kingdom
Lucky enough to travel in rough seas (up to 6m swells apparently). Incredible experience, forget the jet boat in Queenstown, this was the real deal. Captain was excellent and the crew did a great job to try and help out those with sea sickness. First 15 minutes are the worst, once you get through that it's (relatively) plain sailing. Gives you a great insight into how insane those early explorers were and even folks who sail the Southern Ocean to this day.
5. Stewart Island Experience
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Enjoy a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet, viewing hidden coves and beaches including a visit to the Ulva Island – a renowned wildlife sanctuary. An on-board nature guide provides commentary throughout the cruise and leads a 45 minute walk through part of the Ulva Island. This island is home to abundant birdlife, including some of New Zealand’s most rare and precious plant species. Departs: Oban. (Previously named Paterson Inlet Cruises).
