Stewart Island Day Trip from Queenstown RealNZ

Fly over view of Halfmoon Bay in Oban on Rakiura Stewart Island on a bluebird day.

Scenic return flight from Queenstown Rakiura Stewart Island

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Sit back, relax and let us host your full-day journey from Queenstown to Rakiura Stewart Island. Take a scenic flight over Lake Whakatipu, the Southland coast and Foveaux Strait before touching down in Oban. Explore Oban on the Village & Bays Tour, enjoy a picnic lunch with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, then cross Paterson Inlet for the Ulva Island Explorer- an unhurried guided walk through predator-free forest alive with native birds. Fly back to Queenstown in the late afternoon, with the day’s highlights still fresh.

Return scenic flight from Queenstown to Rakiura with landing.
Village & Bays Tour: an easy-going introduction to Oban and its story; visit Lee Bay, Horseshoe Bay, Observation Rock lookouts and short strolls for photo stops.
Ulva Island Explorer: cruise into Paterson Inlet, then walk with a local nature guide on predator-free Ulva Island.
Lunch included: fresh picnic lunch with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.
Relaxed logistics: complimentary transfers to and from Queenstown Airport.

Bookings for this experience are made by phone only, please call our guest services team on 0800 656501 to reserve your spot.

Call to book

What's Included

Return scenic flights from Queenstown to Rakiura Stewart Island
Accommodation pick up and drop off in Queenstown
2.5 hour guided Ulva Island Explorer experience
1.5 hour Stewart Island Village & Bays Tour
Fresh picnic lunch with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options

How to book

Please call our contact centre on 0800 656501 to book the Stewart Island Day Trip.

Alternatively, please email our team at [email protected].

Stewart Island Day Trip Itinerary

08:00 Weather check with Glenorchy Air to confirm flight status
08:30 Check-in at Queenstown Airport
09:00–10:00 Scenic flight to Rakiura Stewart Island (approx. 1 hr)
10:30 Meet your driver for a short transfer to Oban
11:00–12:30 Village & Bays Tour
12:45–15:15 Ulva Island Explorer
15:30–16:00 Depart Stewart Island
17:00 Arrive back in Queenstown

Please note: Timings are indicative and may vary with weather and operational conditions. All flights are weather dependent.

What to bring

Non-slip shoes or boots
Waterproof jacket
Warm sweater or fleece jacket
Sunscreen/ sunglasses
Insect repellent
Camera
Personal medication (including for asthma and allergies)

An epic Stewart Island Experience! 21 January 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Ulva Island Explorer was fantastic. Our guide Charles, was incredibly knowledgeable and clearly so passionate about the natural world. His insights into the native birdlife and ecosystems made the walk feel like a special privilege. The sights and sounds of Ulva Island were stunning, and Charles helped us see and understand so much more than we ever expected.

Both tours were well organised, relaxed yet informative, and truly showcased the best of Stewart Island. We couldn’t recommend these experiences highly enough. Five stars all the way!
Lorraine, via Trip Advisor

Great way to see Stewart Island! 21 January 2026

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I had an awesome time on the Stewart Island Village & Bays Tour our guide Rhys was outstanding. His local knowledge, passion for the island, and genuine enthusiasm brought the history and scenery to life. We learned so much about the people, wildlife, and unique character of Stewart Island. Rhys made the whole tour feel personal and unforgettable.
Lorraine, Via Trip Advisor

Great guided walk 22 November 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We had a great guided nature walk on the Ulva island, Annalise was a passionate and knowledgable guide and we were able to see many wonderful birds with her.
Anna P, via Trip Advisor

Fantastic short tour 11 December 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fantastic guide, would recommend for anyone wanting good Kiwi experience with local knowledge to get your bearings and see the Village and surrounding Bays.
Anna-Maree M, Via Trip Advisor

Highly Recommended Local Tour 10 July 2025

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Todays tour was a fantastic introduction to Oban and Stewart Island. Local lady, Leah, was very impressive with her local, historical and technical knowledge. Her driving and consideration for others on the road made me feel safe in a new location

Leah engaged with her visitors willingly and proved helpful with finding best vistas for this amateur photographer.
An added bonus was Leahs knowledge and passion for protecting the island wilderness. An excellent advocate for native wildlife and pristine locations.

The vehicle was very clean and offered great views.

Highly recommend Real NZ and definitely Leah for a local tour.
Philip J, via Trip Advisor

In case you haven't found the information you were looking for, we've put together some of the most common questions our customers ask about our trips. If you need more specific answers, please contact us directly.

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What time should I check in for my flight?

Please Glenorchy Air on 0800 676 264 1 hour before your scheduled flight time on the day of your flight for your Weather Check. If you are self driving to Queenstown Airport, your check in time is 30 minutes prior to departure.

How long is the Stewart Island Day Trip?

This is a full day experience. From check in 30 minutes before departure, to landing back at Queenstown Airport, is approximately 8 hours. Please note, this does not include time for self-driving or using the complimentary airport transfers.

How long is the scenic flight?

Your flights between Queenstown and Stewart Island are approximately 1 hr 15 mins each way.

Is lunch included?

A picnic lunch is included with this experience. We offer vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free and vegan options. pleas specify any dietary requirements when booking.

What sort of birds will we see on Ulva Island?

The bird life on Ulva Island and Stewart Island is of exceptional interest, not only because of the presence of high profile species such as weka, wood pigeon, Stewart Island Robin and kaka, but also because Stewart Island and its small outliers provide a refuge for a range of less well-known birds, among them the NZ dotterel, South Island saddleback, Rifleman, Oystercatcher and the red and yellow-crowned parakeet.

What should I wear?

The weather on Rakiura can sometimes be changeable and unpredictable, therefore please ensure you wear adequate footwear and are dressed for warmth including a wind and waterproof jacket.

How do I book the Stewart Island Day Trip?

Please call our contact centre on 0800 656501 to book the Stewart Island Day Trip.

Alternatively, please email our team at [email protected].

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