What to do and see in Stewart Island, South Island: The Best Outdoor Activities

October 21, 2021 Harland Bartelt

Discover the best top things to do in Stewart Island, New Zealand including Stewart Island Experience, Ulva's Guided Walks, Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience, Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi, Leask Bay Fishing Charters, Aurora Charters, Aihe Wildlife Cruises & Water Taxi, Beaks and Feathers, Phil's Sea Kayak, Stewart Island Electric Bikes.
Restaurants in Stewart Island

1. Stewart Island Experience

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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Stewart Island Experience

Discover diverse marine species above and below the waterline during this 2.5 Hour cruise with our nature guide. Explore the coastal area adjacent to Halfmoon Bay and the Titi Islands by catamaran. Then in our semi-submersible view the rich marine life below the waterline including kelp forests and fish species. Keep a look out for penguins, dolphins and albatross and other wildlife including seals and great white sharks. - Duration 2 hours 30 mins (including 30 - 45 mins semi-submersible experience).

2. Ulva's Guided Walks

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5.0 based on 138 reviews

Ulva's Guided Walks

Ulva Island is located on Stewart Island,New Zealand. A predator-free and picturesque island, it is an environmental treasure. Rare, endangered, endemic and native birds abound - it is also a botanist's dream in a pristine primeval forest environment. Ulva's Guided Walks is the Ulva Island specialist natural history guiding team that provides visitors with truly memorable experiences in this unique forest sanctuary. We provide personalised and small group experiences - and absolutely guarantee that you will love our southern-most bird sanctuary in the world!

3. Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience

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5.0 based on 306 reviews

Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience

Ruggedy Range™ Wilderness Experience operate exclusively in Stewart Island and Ulva Island. We are an independent, small, locally owned and operated business, specialising in guided nature walks, overnight treks, bird watching (including pelagic birding) and kiwi spotting tours, wildlife and scenic cruises, sea kayaking and scenic road tours. Our tours are designed to capture the best the island has to offer and carefully matching this to the interests and abilities of the most discerning traveller. Whether you are a gentle explorer or adventurous and active, whether your interests are general or you are an avid birdwatcher, botanist, naturalist or photographer, we certainly have something to offer. Guides bring their in-depth knowledge, a sense of fun with a few local tales, to create a truly memorable experience. We care about the environment and strive to adopt and maintain sustainable practises. Visit our Ruggedy Range™ Booking Office at 14 Main Road, Stewart Island.

4. Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi

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5.0 based on 116 reviews

Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi

Cruise Stewart Island in affordable comfort & style! Offering tours and water taxi services to the Ulva Island bird sanctuary, Freshwater River, meet our stunning ocean birds such as Albatross and Yellow-Eyed Penguins up close and personal on a Pelagic Birding Tour, come dolphin and seal spotting, or explore the historic Norwegian Whaler's Base. Our tour vessel is equipped with bathroom, kitchenette, lounge-style seating and a heated cabin, this is cruising in style! Our brand new water taxi seats up to 19 passengers and also features a heated cabin, toilet and excellent viewing, designed especially to maximise your Stewart Island experience!

5. Leask Bay Fishing Charters

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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Leask Bay Fishing Charters

On Board the Rawhiti wooden launch , we offer you the experience of traditional handline fishing set in the wonderfully scenic environment of Stewart Island New Zealand. Catch of the day will be served for a light lunch on the morning trip . Both trips as long as you're catching fish , will provide you with some fish to take home. A morning and afternoon trip daily. Minimum two adults.

6. Aurora Charters

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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Aurora Charters

Aurora Charthers offers Scenic tours & group charters around Stewart Island spectacular coastline - Pelagic bird trips - Hunting & Tramping destinations

7. Aihe Wildlife Cruises & Water Taxi

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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Aihe Wildlife Cruises & Water Taxi

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.

8. Beaks and Feathers

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5.0 based on 103 reviews

Beaks and Feathers

Experience the unique beauty of Ulva Island and Stewart Island while going for a guided walk with Beaks and Feathers. Be entranced by abundant and colourful birdlife and the impressive forest of Ulva Island. Be taken in with the old charm of Stewart Island, and experience local walks or parts of the Rakiura Track. Beaks and Feathers specialise in small groups for a better experience

9. Phil's Sea Kayak

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5.0 based on 131 reviews

Phil's Sea Kayak

Stewart Island - amazing sea kayak destination. Explore the pristine clear waters with amazing marine life, bays and sandy beaches. We often see penguins, marine mammals and mollymawk/albatross. 2½ hour, half day or full day tours, twilight paddles (sunset!), sea kayak hire/expeditions. Personal guiding - tours tailored for all levels of experience. Your safety and enjoyment is my priority.

10. Stewart Island Electric Bikes

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5.0 based on 197 reviews

Stewart Island Electric Bikes

Explore picturesque Stewart Island in style on our Eco-friendly electric bikes. You can travel at your own pace around our 30 km of roads, stop and see the amazing scenery and wildlife, and go to places you never would have explored before. The terrain of the island is made easy by the assistance of an electric motor helping you bike around with ease and speed.

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