Oban (Stewart Island) - Bluff
Ferry to New Zealand
Oban (Stewart Island) - Bluff
Ferry to New Zealand
Ferries from Oban (Stewart Island) to Bluff are operated by 1 ferry company; Stewart Island Experience. The journey usually takes around 1 hour. There are currently 14 weekly sailings on this ferry route. Prices start from as little as £60. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability and book your ferry to Bluff today.
Oban (Stewart Island) Bluff ferry prices tend to range between £60* and £376*. The average price for ferries from Oban (Stewart Island) Bluff is typically £238*. The cheapest Oban (Stewart Island) Bluff ferry prices start from £60*. The average foot passenger price is £238*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated March 26.
We offer a fast way to compare ferry tickets and costs across the world to make your choice smooth sailing. Check out our Special Offers page for discounts on select routes and operators. Remember to book early for the best prices and options!
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a wide range of discounts all year around. When searching for ferries, senior discounts will be automatically applied if they are available. Just select your age range from the passenger options.
Students and graduates can get a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To take advantage of the discount, you need to register with, check out our partner Student Beans and confirm your student or graduate status. You will then receive a discount code which can be entered during the payment process.
Resident discounts are available on a variety of Spanish and Italian ferry routes. Just click on the "Residents" option when this is displayed. The discount is automatically applied to the price. Bear in mind that proof of registration or an identity card with the correct address must be shown at check-in.
The first Oban (Stewart Island) Bluff ferry typically departs from Oban (Stewart Island) at around 08:00. The last ferry usually departs at 15:30.
Yes, you can take a day trip between Oban (Stewart Island) and Bluff. Day trips from Oban (Stewart Island) to Bluff by ferry are very popular due to the short journey time and daily crossings. If possible, taking a vehicle is also a good way to explore a little further afield, at your own pace, with your own space - if you’re looking for inspiration or things to do when you’re there, check out our blog.
No, ferry operators currently do not allow cars to travel on sailings between Oban (Stewart Island) and Bluff.
Whether you can bring your campervan on the ferry from Oban (Stewart Island) to Bluff depends on factors like the ship & operator of your preferred crossing. To find out whether you can take your car on the ferry, simply enter your details, and we will compare operators on the specified route for you.
For more practical tips and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan & caravan, visit our blog.
Currently, you cannot take your bicycle on board any ferries from Oban (Stewart Island) to Bluff.
Yes, foot passengers can travel with Stewart Island Experience ferries between Oban (Stewart Island) and Bluff.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Oban (Stewart Island) to Bluff with Stewart Island Experience. .
Pricing is taken from searches over the last 30 days and is exclusive of service fees, last updated March 26.
In general, you’ll need the following things when travelling with your pet on board a ferry:
For more information about taking your dog on a ferry, read our article on pet ferry travel.
Where your pet stays during the ferry crossing depends on the ferry operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing, whilst others offer designated pet areas, as well as pet-friendly cabins and lounges . Our Deal Finder shows you all the different options, so you can decide which ferry crossing best suits you and your pet’s travel needs.
There are a few things to keep in mind when travelling with guide and assistance dogs. We also recommend contacting our customer service team or notifying the ferry company at the time of booking that you’ll be travelling with a guide dog or assistance dog.
You should also ensure that you have any necessary certificates and documentation with you, as you may be asked to present them when boarding or whilst you’re on board.
Please note that even if pets aren’t allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers travelling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. You can check the specific rules on your preferred sailing with our customer service. For general information on travelling with assistant dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page.
Whether an overnight ferry is available on the route between Oban (Stewart Island) and Bluff depends on various factors. To find out if there is an overnight ferry available simply enter your details, our search results will then provide you with the information whether your preferred ferry sails overnight. Here you can also find the current ferry timetables and crossing times, as well as alternatives for day passages.
Please note that the duration of the night ferries can at times be slightly longer than that of the day ferries.
Travel requirements can vary depending on the route, so it's important to check what documents you'll need before sailing. In most cases, a valid passport is required when traveling from Oban (Stewart Island) to Bluff, along with any necessary visas or national ID cards. Requirements may differ based on your nationality and the destination country’s regulations. To avoid delays at check-in, you can find helpful information for your journey in our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and in our blog post on tips and tricks for international travel.
To book your ferry tickets simply enter your departure and arrival ports and the date you’d like to travel to see all available options and prices. You’ll also be able to view alternative routes and times, so you can find the best deal to suit you.
Look out for early booking discounts or special ticket options such as upgrades or flexi-tickets that allow you to change or cancel your booking. To make your sailing as smooth as possible, make sure you enter all the required information correctly, such as number of passengers and vehicle specifications.
Once you’ve finalised your booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. It depends on the ferry operator you book with as to how your boarding pass is issued and collected.
Whilst some ferry operators issue the boarding pass as soon as your booking is confirmed, others may ask you to check in at the port. There’s also the option for online check-in, which can be easily done via the Direct Ferries app, if available.
The ticket desks are usually located near the ferry terminals. To avoid any delays at the port, we’d recommend allowing some extra time to collect your tickets and to check-in.
During check-in, you must show your email confirmation, as well as an official photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. You might also be asked to provide documentation for your pet (vaccines, pet insurance etc.) or proof of residence, if you have booked your ticket with a resident discount.
There could be various reasons why there are no departures from Oban (Stewart Island) to Bluff for the date you’ve requested. For example, a temporary timetable change, limited availability or seasonal changes in the timetable. We recommend checking for alternative dates and routes.
The best time to book ferries from Oban (Stewart Island) to Bluff is usually as early as possible. By booking in advance, you’ll not only get your tickets at the best available prices, but you’ll also get a better choice of departure times and cabin/seating options.
We’d recommend making your booking at least a few weeks in advance to benefit from the best offers. Bear in mind that prices may vary depending on the season and availability.
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| Oban (Stewart Island) - Bluff Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | £238 | |
| Oban (Stewart Island) - Bluff Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Stewart Island |
| Destination | New Zealand |
| No. of Operators | 1 |
| Operators | Stewart Island Experience |
| Average Price | £238 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 2 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 14 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h |
| First Ferry | 08:00 |
| Last Ferry | 15:30 |
| Distance | 22 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 March 2026.
Stewart Island Experience provides the ferry from Oban to Bluff. Oban Bluff ferries cost between £114 and £337, depending on ticket details. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally, use our Deal Finder to get live pricing and availability for Oban Bluff ferries.
The first Oban Bluff ferry typically departs from Oban at around 08:00. The last ferry usually departs at 15:30.
The Oban Bluff ferry trip can take around 1 hour. Sailing times can vary between ferry operators and can be impacted by weather conditions.
There are 17 weekly sailings from Oban to Bluff provided by Stewart Island Experience. Timetables can change from season to season.
Oban Bluff ferry prices typically range between £114* and £337*. The average price is typically £220*. The cheapest Oban Bluff ferry prices start from £114*. The average price for a foot passenger is £220*.
Pricing will vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over last 30 days and exclusive of service fees, last updated May 25.
The distance between Oban to Bluff is approximately 25.1 miles (40.4km) or 22 nautical miles.
No, ferry operators currently do not allow cars to travel on sailings between Oban and Bluff.
Yes, foot passengers can travel with Stewart Island Experience ferries between Oban and Bluff.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Oban to Bluff with Stewart Island Experience.
On a bulb-shaped peninsula in the South Island region of New Zealand is the small town of Bluff. Named after the broad cliffs that dominate the south-eastern skyline of town, this coastal settlement on the shores of the Bluff Harbour lagoon is built around a neatly ordered network of streets lined by manicured lawns and a patchwork of bungalows. The long Marine Parade road that arcs along the west coast offers spectacular views over the rocky shores of the clear-watered bay. It’s a route that leads to Stirling Point on the tip of a lush-green promontory where visitors can dine on the local delicacy of Bluff oysters at the nearby restaurant. The seaport in Bluff is largely dedicated to the area’s large fleet of fishing vessels, but it is also a gateway for passengers wanting to reach New Zealand’s southernmost region of Stewart Island. The ferry terminal here is nothing more than a concrete pier from which foot passengers can board the departing ships and an overnight car-park opposite the check-in building. Getting to Bluff port from the southern reaches of New Zealand is easy due to the Route 1 highway that snakes up along the coast of the peninsula and into the larger city of Invercargill. From here travellers can catch a flight from the Invercargill airport or board one of the trains that cover the distance to and from Bluff. Currently only one service operates from Bluff port. A Stewart Island Experience line makes the short trip south through the narrow channel of Bluff Harbour before crossing the Foveaux Strait to the port-town of Oban on Stewart Island.
