Day trip to Stewart Island

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Explore the best that Stewart Island has to offer with a full day tour, including a visit to the charming Ulva Island

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Duration

Full Day

Landings

One Landing

Cost per person

$1159

It’s the ultimate Stewart Island day trip - Ulva Island and a guided nature tour included.

Your day begins in Bluff, with a scenic helicopter flight over the Foveaux Strait to Rakiura Stewart Island. Step off the heli and immerse yourself in the island’s beauty before heading to Oban, where you’ll enjoy a tasty local lunch, fresh produce and exceptional harbour views at the South Sea Hotel. From there, travel by boat through Paterson Inlet before landing on Ulva Island, where you’ll explore the natural bird sanctuary with RealNZ. A beautiful forty-five minute walk through the island will captivate you as your local nature guide shares the history and birdsong of this part of Rakiura National Park. Once back on Stewart Island, your helicopter awaits to transfer you back to Bluff.

What’s included:

Scenic helicopter transfer flight to and from Stewart Island
Lunch at the South Sea Hotel
Boat to Ulva Island and natural bird sanctuary tour through RealNZ
1.5 hour scenic guided tour with local nature guide

Departs from

Bluff, or get in touch for transfers wider afield.

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Your journey with us

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Arrive at Bluff

Arrive at our base in Bluff [250 Ocean Beach Road] 15 minutes before your flight.

Pre-flight orientation & safety briefing

Complete a passenger information form if required while your pilot readies the aircraft. You will undergo your safety briefing before boarding the helicopter.

Pre-takeoff

Time to get in the heli. Your pilot and ground crew will ensure that you are comfortable, buckled in, have your headset on and are ready to go.

Lift-off

The heli takes off, and you’re airborne. Take in the sights of the beautiful Foveaux Strait before heading towards Stewart Island, your pilot sharing the stories and history of the region as you fly.

Landing

Touch down in Oban, where your pilot will instruct and assist you in exiting the helicopter safely. From there, your transport will be waiting to take you into Oban township.

Lunch time

Enjoy a tasty lunch at the South Sea Hotel with fresh local produce and stunning views. Bon appetit!

Boat to Ulva Island

Next up is a ten minute scenic boat trip to Ulva Island, a natural bird sanctuary.

Guided bird sanctuary tour

Once you’ve made it to Ulva Island, enjoy a 1.5 hour guided tour through this incredible bird sanctuary, courtesy of RealNZ. Your insightful local nature guide will share with you the history and birdsong of this National Park before heading back to Stewart Island.

Back to base

Before you know it, it’s time to head home to Bluff. From Oban, you’ll board back into the heli and enjoy your scenic flight back to the mainland.

Share your experience

We’d love to hear about your flight, and so will your family and friends. Make sure to tag #stewartislandhelicopters in your photos if you’d like to be featured on our socials.