Tours

Besides regular daily ferry services between Bluff and Halfmoon Bay (Stewart Island), Stewart Island Experience offers a range of island-based excursions. Get your bearings on the Village & Bays bus tour. There aren't many roads on Stewart Island but during the 90-minute tour you'll drive along most of them. Informative commentary, suitable for all ages, scheduled services at 11 am and 1 pm daily (more in summer). On the water: explore the coast near Halfmoon Bay and the underwater world on the Marine Nature Cruise. Sit beneath the waterline on a semisubmersible vessel and cruise past the kelp forests. From November through March, there are daily departures at noon (unsuitable for preschoolers). Or take a short cruise and guided walk on Ulva Island on the Paterson Inlet Cruise. From November through April there are daily departures at 12:45. Both cruises are 2 hours 30 minutes and are weather-dependent. Discounts are available for multibookings.

Island Explorer. If you're short of time, then hop on a scenic, 90-minute bus tour operated by Stewart Island Flights. There are no scheduled departure times (it's done on demand), so make sure to book ahead whenever possible. Stewart Island Flights, Elgin Terr., Halfmoon Bay, Oban, Southland, 9846. 03/218–9129; www.stewartislandflights.com. From NZ$35.

Te Manu Adventures. Based from Pearlers café, this operation offers kiwi viewing and other wildlife tours, along with ferry service to Ulva Island. Tours cost between NZ$55 and NZ$120 Pearlers, Elgin Terr., 9846. 03/219–1390.