How to Plan a Cheap Trip to Stewart Island
New Zealand’s southernmost populated island, Stewart Island, is wild, remote and rugged. This Subantarctic paradise boasts clear turquoise seas and white sand beaches that look more tropical than Antarctic – throw in a few penguins and you’ve got yourself a truly unique environment.
Around 80% of the island is made up of Rakiura National Park, where you can tackle multi-day hikes, including one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. But there’s plenty to do for those just spending a day or two.
Despite its remote location, Stewart Island can be surprisingly affordable thanks to budget accommodation, free walks and unique experiences like spotting kiwi birds in the wild and seeing the Southern Lights.
The main town of Oban has all the essentials, including backpacker accommodation and a convenience store that won’t completely break the bank.
Let us walk you through planning the ultimate budget-friendly adventure to Stewart Island.
Table of Contents
Tips for Visiting Stewart Island on a Budget
- Some accommodations on Stewart Island close for the winter season (May to October) so note that you’ll have a limited choice if travelling during this time
- In relation to the above point, budget accommodation books up quickly in summer, so book early to avoid disappointment
- While flights are available, the cheapest way to get to Stewart Island is on the ferry from Bluff
- Although the general store is not too expensive in Oban, you might want to bring some of your own supplies for cooking meals to save money on food
- In relation to the above point (again), book into self-catering accommodation to easily spruce up your own meals
- Fill up your itinerary with the free and cheap things to do in Stewart Island!
For more general budget tips, check out the 11 Ways to Save Money When Backpacking in New Zealand.
© NZPocketGuide.comHow to Get to Stewart Island and Back
The most common and cheapest way to get to Stewart Island is by ferry from Bluff. The RealNZ (Stewart Island Experience) ferry departs from both Stewart Island and Bluff three times a day. Departure times change depending on the season. The journey takes approximately one hour.
For a more scenic and quicker journey, Stewart Island Flights depart from Invercargill three times a day. Plus, you can avoid the seasickness!
A super quick option is by helicopter, which is ideal for day trips to Stewart Island. Stewart Island Helicopters fly between Bluff and Stewart Island.
© NZPocketGuide.comFree Activities on Stewart Island
When it comes to activities that are 100% free, well, you better lace up your hiking shoes!
Free Walks on Stewart Island
Although 80% of Stewart Island is a national park, which is awash in hiking trails, only the ones that you can access from Oban will be free for most visitors who don’t have their own transport.
With that in mind, some spectacular walks you can do from Oban include the short walk to Bathing Beach! This 30-minute return stroll takes you over the clifftops from Kamahi Road, through a short tract of bush and down to some golden sandy shores. The beach is best explored at low tide.
For a longer expedition, continue from Bathing Beach to Lee Bay, which takes about five to six hours-return from Oban.
After crossing Bathing Beach, take Horseshoe Bay Road north for about 1.5 km (1 mi), turn into Bragg Bay Road just uphill from Butterfield Beach. Continue along the Bragg Bay where The Horseshoe Point track starts at the end of the road. This incorporates many stunning little beaches until you get to Horseshoe Bay.
Follow Horseshoe Bay Road and up Lee Bay Road where you will reach the entrance to the iconic Rakiura National Park and its gateway.
Observation Rock
A must-do walk that won’t take you too long is to the top of Observation Rock, just a 15-minute climb from Excelsior Road, through the bush to a rocky opening with spectacular views of the Paterson Inlet, i.e. where Ulva Island is (more on Ulva Island below).
And for a quick free thing to do, play a game of giant chess on the waterfront of Oban, found along Elgin Terrace.
For more free activities, check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Stewart Island.
© NZPocketGuide.comCheap Activities on Stewart Island
There are some experiences on Stewart Island that cost a little but are still well worth checking out.
Ulva Island
One such experience is Ulva Island, a small island off the coast of Golden Bay (1km/0.6 miles from Oban) which is a protected wildlife sanctuary. Sure, the island is protected from introduced predators, but this means that the birdlife here thrives with a capital “T”!
There are very few places in New Zealand where you can see such diversity in birds in the forest between the robins, riflemen, two types of bush parrots, oystercatchers, weka and even kiwi birds.
The Ulva Island Ferry & Water Taxi is the cheapest way to get there, costing around NZ$20 return from Golden Bay.
Rakiura Museum
Stewart Island’s other cheap attractions give you an insight into the history of the island, such as the Rakiura Museum.
Set in striking contemporary architecture, the Rakiura Museum ironically houses some of Stewart Island’s oldest relics from its history of the Maori, muttonbirding, mining, timber milling, boat building, fishing and much more.
The museum costs around NZ$10 per adult, while kids get in free.
Bunkhouse Theatre
A perhaps more creative way to learn about Stewart Island history, as well as today’s island culture, is by watching “A Local’s Tail” at the Bunkhouse Theatre.
This quirky little attraction is a boutique cinema that’s famous for showing one movie in particular: a 40-minute film about Stewart Island from the perspective of Lola the Dog. We know it sounds weird, but just trust us; go and see it!
Tickets cost around NZ$10 per adult, while there are discounts for families and groups.
For more cheap attractions, check out the 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Stewart Island.
© Stewart Island BackpackersWhere to Stay: Affordable Accommodations on Stewart Island
While most of Stewart Island’s accommodation is more expensive than what you’ll find in the rest of the country, there are a select few accommodations that suit tighter budgets.
You’ll find a couple of backpacker hostels, a budget B&B and a hotel with affordable rooms.
Although we outline all your options in the 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Stewart Island, here are some of our top picks for travellers on a budget.
Stewart Island Backpackers – Friendly Budget Stay
A welcoming backpacker hostel that’s open year-round, Stewart Island Backpackers is a good go-to for budget accommodation on Stewart Island.
As well as private double and twin rooms, the hostel has a range of dorm rooms sleeping no more than four people and with no bunks!
Tent sites are also available. Whatever you decide, you’ll have access to a well-equipped communal kitchen, as well as bathrooms, a lounge and laundry facilities surrounding a sunny courtyard garden where you can relax and watch the kaka parrots fly by.
Discover why Stewart Island Backpackers is a great option for budget travellers, and book your stay through Booking.com!
South Sea Hotel – Classic Waterfront Stay
The waterfront hotel that greets visitors when they first arrive on the ferry is not only the local pub but offers affordable hotel rooms upstairs.
The main hotel rooms of the South Sea Hotel boast a traditional flare, reflecting an old-school New Zealand hotel style of a selection of double and twin rooms with shared bathrooms and breakfast-making facilities.
It also has a communal lounge with excellent views of Halfmoon Bay. If you prefer more of your own space, then there are nine motel units adjacent to the main building, which include an ensuite bathroom and breakfast-making facilities.
Learn what makes South Sea Hotel a convenient and character-filled place to stay, and reserve your room through Booking.com or Expedia!
© NZPocketGuide.comCheap Eats on Stewart Island
On an island of only 400 residents, you’re not going to find a huge offering of affordable dining options. But we didn’t say that they don’t exist! Kai Kart is New Zealand’s southernmost fish and chips joint, serving an array of fresh fishy dishes to either eat in their cosy trailer or to take away. Find them in the blue trailer along Ayr Street.
While most visitors expect the only general store of Stewart Island to have extortionate prices, you might be surprised that they’re actually reasonably priced considering their remote location.
The prices of Four Square Stewart Island also reflect in the freshly-made sandwiches, quiches and pizza slices for sale. They also sell hot pies, sausage rolls, cakes, slices and ice cream.
For more restaurant recommendations, check out The Honeymoon Guide to Stewart Island and The Luxury Travel Guide to Stewart Island.
© Matt Crawford - Tourism New ZealandWhat to Do in Oban on a Backpacker Budget
The town of Oban consists of a supermarket, post shop, a library, a museum, a couple of places to eat, and a few accommodation options, including backpacker hostels.
With a population of around 400, the town is a close and friendly community. This is obvious from the community and tourism notice board located next to the Four Square convenience store.
For example, some notices are signed “see Bonnie”, assuming everyone knows who “Bonnie” is and where to find her!
Eating in Oban
Ever tried a Bloody Mary oyster shot? The ocean between Bluff and Stewart Island is a haven for fishing so restaurants on Stewart Island serve the freshest of produce. We recommend some blue cod fish n’ chips, any salmon dish, and an oyster shot!
After a hard hike, treat yourself to some at the Kai Kart or “The Pub” (i.e. the South Sea Hotel). For more insights on “The Pub” and the history of Stewart Island, watch A Local’s Tail at the Bunkhouse Theatre screening daily at 11 am, 2 pm and 4 pm from Friday to Monday.
Walking in Oban
Exploring on foot is a sure-fire way to keep the costs to a minimum, especially when starting from Oban, as you won’t have to rely on transport to get to the trailhead.
Oban to Bathing Beach (30 Minutes Return)
A popular option is a walk to the beautiful Bathing Beach. On the east side of Oban, walk past the wharf and uphill on Horseshoe Bay Road.
Branch right when you reach Kamahi Road. Follow the signpost through the bush and around the clifftops to Bathing Beach. The walk is approximately 15 minutes one way.
Oban to Lee Bay (5-6 Hours Return)
To extend the journey past Bathing Beach, cross the beach and take Horseshoe Bay Road north for about 1.5 km (1 mi), turn into Bragg Bay Road just uphill from Butterfield Beach.
Continue along the road on the coast of Bragg Bay where The Horseshoe Point track starts at the end of the road. This incorporates many stunning little beaches until you get to Horseshoe Bay.
Follow Horseshoe Bay Road and up Lee Bay Road where you will reach the entrance to the Rakiura National Park and its link chain gateway.
This whole journey takes about 5-6 hours-return from Oban but, of course, you can turn around at any point to make it shorter.
Oban to Ackers Bay (3 Hours Return)
A 3-hour-return walk west of Oban along the coastal road then a walking track will take you to the Ackers Point Lighthouse.
From Oban, follow the coastal road at the east end of Oban. Follow the coastal road past several bays, then the road finishes at a walking track to the Ackers Point Lighthouse.
We also have full descriptions of these walks in the 16 Free or Cheap Things to Do in Stewart Island.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About Backpacking in the Rakiura National Park
New Zealand’s 13th national park, Rakiura National Park, covers around 80% of the island. Rakiura also has a Great Walk, the Rakiura Track, which is the best way to fully explore the island and see Stewart Island’s native wildlife, including the Stewart Island brown kiwi. The track takes three days to complete.
See more about the Great Walks in our Guide to the 9 Great Walks of New Zealand.
Additionally, there are heaps of multi-day hikes around the Rakiura National Park, as well as some short day hikes – ideal if your idea of “backpacking” Stewart Island is actually hiking!
Notably, these hikes are much cheaper than the Rakiura Track (you have to pay for the huts), so consider them if you’re on a tight budget. The other multi-day hikes are the North West Circuit and the Southern Circuit.
Day walks include Garden Mound Track and the Rakiura Track to Maori Beach and back.
Find out more about these hikes in our Rakiura National Park – Guide for Backpackers, as well as the 10 Best Things to Do in Rakiura National Park.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About Travelling Around Stewart Island
Walking tracks dominate the walking-track-to-road ratio on Stewart Island so if you have plenty of time to explore, the best option for backpacking Stewart Island would be to use your legs!
Scooters, E-Bikes, Car Hire and Bus Tours
You can hire a car, scooter or e-bike next to the ferry terminal or take a guided bus tour with RealNZ/Stewart Island Experience. This is a quicker way to get you to many of the bays close to Oban.
Flights and Water Taxis
To get to the other side of the island or one of the bays to connect with a walking track, you’ll either have to take a water taxi or a plane. Yes, and beach landings by plane are a pretty common thing on Stewart Island.
Flight operators include Stewart Island Flights and Stewart Island Helicopters.
Water taxis include Rakiura Charters & Water Taxi and Aihe Eco Charters & Water Taxi.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About Wildlife Encounters on Stewart Island
Another reason to go backpacking on Stewart Island is for the wildlife.
Kiwi Birds on Stewart Island
You know these kiwis everyone talks about but you never really see them? Well, that’s because most of them are on Stewart Island.
That said, seeing a kiwi on Stewart Island is pretty rare too but can be done by visiting Ocean Beach at night where kiwis are often eating. They are also often seen around Mason Bay along the North West Circuit.
For more information on seeing kiwis check out Where to See Kiwi Birds in New Zealand.
Shark Diving
Is a kiwi bird not badass enough for you? From December through to June, there is the option to go cage diving or see great white sharks from the less nerving distance of the boat’s deck.
Check out this experience on your way to or from Stewart Island with Shark Experience in Bluff.
Ulva Island
For the ultimate wildlife experience, take a quick and affordable ferry ride over to Ulva Island. It’s impossible to not spot an array of birds on this island sanctuary and pest-free environment. You may also spot the elusive kiwi bird too!
Alternatively, take a guided catamaran and walking tour to Ulva Island with RealNZ.
Budget Accommodation on Stewart Island
For more details on each accommodation and more, take a look at the 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Stewart Island.
If You Have Some Extra Time on Stewart Island…
- Sea fishing catch your own dinner!
- Browse the Rakiura Museum for the island’s history
- Play giant chess it won’t take you long to find the chessboard in Oban
- Go on a kayaking tour with Phil’s Sea Kayak
- Watch A Local’s Tail at the Bunkhouse Theatre for some local insider knowledge from a dog.
More About Stewart Island
Now that you know how to plan a cheap trip to Stewart Island and how to visit Stewart Island on a budget, here are more experiences you might want to incorporate into your trip:
- 10 Incredible Things to Do on Stewart Island
- 10 Things to Do on Stewart Island on a Rainy Day
- The Complete Guide to Stewart Island
That’s it from the travel guide to Stewart Island on a budget. Check out even more money-saving tips in The Travel Guide to New Zealand on a Budget.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Southland NZ (Regional tourism website)
- Southland District Council (Local council website)
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
