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Mini bus on the Village and Bays Tour Mini bus on the Village and Bays Tour
Stewart Island Village & Bays Tour Book now Stewart Island
Home /  Experiences /  Tours /  Stewart Island Village & Bays Tours

Stewart Island Village & Bays Tours

Gain an entertaining insight into New Zealand’s southernmost community and learn about the history and environment of Stewart Island.

Unspoiled, incredibly beautiful, and steeped in stories, Stewart Island (known as Rakiura – glowing skies - by Maori) is well worth this informative introduction.  Our local guides enjoy sharing their knowledge of the area on this mini-bus tour of the Island. You will have plenty of time to get off the bus for photo stops and short walks.

Highlights include a visit to the gateway to Rakiura National Park at Lee Bay and Observation Rock with its stunning views of Paterson Inlet.

  • Modern mini bus
  • Departs: Oban Visitor Centre
  • Duration: 1h30
  • Suitable for all ages
Comfortable Transport

Sit back and relax on your journey with our spacious and modern minibuses.
Local Guides

Let a Stewart Island local show you around this beautiful island.
Family Friendly

An adventure the whole family will enjoy!
Instagram Worthy Locations

Visit Oban's best viewpoints and explore further with various beach/nature walks.

More Information

Explore Oban and the surrounding bays in our modern mini-buses. Our guides enjoy sharing their local knowledge of the history and environment of Stewart Island.

Departure Location

Oban Visitor Centre, 12 Elgin Terrace, Stewart Island

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes/boots
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Warm sweater/fleece jacket
  • Sunscreen/sunglasses
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera
  • Personal medication including for asthma and allergies

Why RealNZ?

  • Tourism pioneers since 1954
  • Local experts
  • Multi-award winning
  • Best price guarantee
Learn More

Images

Day with Kiwis, birds and the amazing forests of Rakiura - what can be bad about it? 24 May 2023

One of the best tours we had in the entire 15 days at New Zealand. The bus tour was the best and the walks and hikes on the island in Rakiura was well managed, informative and well-paced.

ArpanD, via Trip Advisor
Great short tour 27 August 2023
A great way to see the different parts of Stewart Island especially if without a car. Very handy as well for short stays. Leah the guide was so passionate and gave great insight into the island's heritage and its dedication to conservation. Highly recommend.
N Kuek, via Trip Advisor
Well worth it 11 October 2023

We had limited time on the island and this tour was great. Got a good overview of village life and the history of the island. Would highly recommend it.

Ruth, via Trip Advisor
Friendly and informative 7 September 2023

It was great to see the township of the island by bus and hear the heritage about it from the friendly and informative driver.

lynne, via Trip Advisor
Fun laughter and knowledge in Stewart Island 14 January 2023

Hearing about all the places to visit, a little history and having a perspective from a kiwi who is obviously enrolled in this place. As a kiwi to hear a balanced view of a great part of the country with a balanced and mature view of our great place was uplifting. Most kiwis never visit this place but if they has someone like Rhys introducing them to it they would be back more than once for another view. Thanks for looking after us Rhys. Cheers

V7128EOjohnl, Via TripAdvisor
"A must do!" 15 June 2022

We took 3 tours of senior citizens down to Stewart Island and did the Village and Bays tour on each one. We had both Bevan and Nicky as our guides. They were both kind, funny and patient. Lots of things learnt and many laughs had. These staff are both an absolute credit to RealNZ. Thanks so much!

BeckleyCoachlines Ashburton, New Zealand, Via TripAdvisor
"Awesome Tour" 8 April 2022

A great tour. Highly recommend. Our tour guide, Nicky, was very relaxed, informative and entertaining. Anyone coming to Stewart Island should do this tour.

TaniaCab123, Via TripAdvisor
"Excellent" 21 August 2022

Nicky, our guide, had an excellent local knowledge and gave an entertaining perspective of Stewart Island. We learned a lot and saw the beautiful beaches close to Oban. A great 1 hour tour. Bev & Bryan

bryanandbevrose Wellington, New Zealand, Via TripAdvisor

FAQs

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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