About the Port
Stewart Island, known to Māori as Rakiura, lies across Foveaux Strait from the South Island and marks the southernmost stop on many New Zealand itineraries. Roughly eighty-five percent of the island forms Rakiura National Park, a landscape of dense native bush, sheltered inlets, and coastline largely untouched by development. The small settlement of Oban, on Halfmoon Bay, serves as the island's only town and the gateway for exploring its trails and harbor.
Cruise calls here are tender arrivals, with Oban's waterfront a short ride from anchorage and easily explored on foot. Visitors wander a handful of local galleries and cafés, learn about the island's fishing heritage, or set out on sections of the Rakiura Track for views over Paterson Inlet. Recognized as one of the world's largest dark sky sanctuaries, the island also draws attention for its birdlife, including wild kiwi that remain more visible here than almost anywhere else in the country.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Stewart Island.
Spot Kiwi in the Wild
Join a small guided evening walk to look for Stewart Island's famously visible wild kiwi, a rare chance to see the bird in its natural habitat rather than a sanctuary. Book ahead, as spots are limited and weather-dependent.
Take a Water Taxi to Ulva Island
This predator-free reserve in Paterson Inlet shelters native birdlife like saddlebacks and kaka amid untouched forest trails. Reach it by a short water taxi ride from Golden Bay Wharf, easily arranged in Oban.
Hike to Observation Rock
A short, well-marked trail from town climbs through native bush to sweeping views over Paterson Inlet and Halfmoon Bay. It takes under an hour round trip, making it an easy add-on to a harbor stroll.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Stewart Island
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 4, 2026 | Silversea | Silver Moon | 14 | $11,610 | |
| Jan 5, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 87 | $34,579 | |
| Jan 5, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 48 | $19,429 | |
| Jan 17, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Moon | 14 | $13,320 | |
| Feb 7, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Quest | 15 | $5,549 | |
| Dec 10, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Moon | 26 | $11,900 | |
| Dec 21, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Moon | 15 | $9,180 | |
| Jan 5, 2028 | Silversea | Silver Moon | 14 | $12,240 | |
| Jan 29, 2028 | Silversea | Silver Moon | 14 | $10,620 | |
| Feb 12, 2028 | Silversea | Silver Moon | 14 | $9,270 |