We regret to advise that due to severe weather conditions associated with Cyclone Vaianu, bringing significant wind and heavy rain, the Northern Explorer service will not operate as scheduled on Sunday, 12 April and Monday, 13 April.
The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority. As such, the rail network requires thorough assessment before services can safely resume, and we are unable to confirm operations at this time.
We appreciate your understanding and will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Onboard Infotainment App
Audio commentary is now delivered through the Great Journeys New Zealand app. Passengers should bring:
Download the free app before travel. Full content becomes available once connected to onboard Wi-Fi.
For further inquiries or assistance with your travel plans, please contact our New Zealand Travel Team.
Our friendly New Zealand Travel Team is available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (New Zealand Time) Monday - Sunday, excluding public holidays.
For assistance and reservations during our opening hours, contact our New Zealand Travel Team by email or phone. To cancel a reservation, please email us at info@newzealandtravelteam.com before 72hrs or 3 days from the travel date.
Phone
You can call one of our English-speaking Consultants at +64 7 575 5049
Current New Zealand time:
Within New Zealand:
Reservations only with payment - 0800-143-669
Travel planning and all other inquiries - +64 7 575 5049
Outside New Zealand:
+61 1800 359 729 Australia Toll-free
+1 855 413 3019 USA Toll-free
+1 866 554 0304 Canada Toll-free
+44 800 0148106 United Kingdom Toll-free
You’ll zip across Foveaux Strait between Bluff and Stewart Island in just one hour aboard comfortable catamarans.
It’s an interesting stretch of water, home to several islands including Dog Island (spot the lighthouse), Ruapuke Island, and the Titi Islands, and a considerable fishing industry.
During your trip, keep an eye out along the way for wildlife – particularly seabirds such as the Mollymawk and Titi. Friendly staff provide informative commentary and point out highlights.
An all-year daily scheduled ferry service is available with complimentary tea and coffee served aboard.
Duration: 1 hour
About
Insightful commentary during the crossing
Complimentary tea and coffee onboard
Booking Information
Check-in 30 minutes prior to ferry departure
Luggage limit of 2 bags per person (one stowed & one small carry-on). Extra goods by arrangement
Child rates apply for 5 - 14 years and infants 0 - 4 years are carried free but must be added to your booking
A Government visitor levy of NZ$2.50 per adult per one-way ferry crossing is included in the adult rates.
Coach transfers from Invercargill are available - please book separately.
Parking at Bluff Visitor Terminal is available (at extra cost)
On board café
PLEASE NOTE: Currently we are unable to accommodate wheelchairs on the Stewart Island Ferries. If this impacts your booking, we apologize for the inconvenience, please contact us to discuss your options.
