Queenstown: Day Trip to Stewart Island via Scenic Flight
Stewart Island, Queenstown
Explore Stewart Island (Rakiura), the third island of New Zealand, with a return trip flight from Queenstown. Discover the island at your own leisure, including its national park and amazing wildlife.
Scenic Flight and Day Tour from Queenstown to Stewart Island
This day trip from Queenstown takes you to Stewart Island, ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers seeking flexible exploration.
Highlights
- Enjoy bird's-eye views over the Oreti River during the flight to Stewart Island
- Visit Rakiura National Park, Ulva Island, or explore the Oban township
- Experience the natural environment of a remote island
- Spot native wildlife including the brown kiwi bird
- Create a tailored itinerary for an active or relaxing day
Description
Your journey begins in Queenstown with hotel pickup and transfer to the flight departure point. The flight heads south over the Oreti River, Toetoes Bay, Dog Island, and Ruapuki Island before landing on Stewart Island.
Once on the island, you have approximately five hours of free time to explore independently. Options include hiking in Rakiura National Park, which covers over 85% of the island, birdwatching for the native Tokoeka (brown kiwi bird), walking coastal trails, visiting Ulva Island via water taxi, or sampling fish and chips at Kai Kart.
Additional activities are available but must be booked directly by the customer and scheduled between 10:45am and 3:30pm. These include land tours with Aurora Cab Company, personal 1.5-hour Stewart Island tours, or electric bike rentals to explore the roads.
At the end of your visit, you will be flown back to Queenstown and dropped off at your hotel.
Includes
- Transfers to and from Queenstown accommodations
- Roundtrip scenic flight between Queenstown and Stewart Island
- Approximately five hours of free time on Stewart Island
- Transfers from the airstrip to Oban township
- Guaranteed window seat
- $1 donation per passenger to the Kea Conservation Trust
Excludes
- Food and drinks
Important Information
- Flights are weather dependent and routes may change accordingly
- Flight times are preferred and will be confirmed by the provider
- Minimum passenger numbers required to operate this flight
Easy Cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, bring weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a camera. Book flights early and check weather updates on the day of travel.
