Stewart Island Ferries resumes scheduled winter ferry service

Media Release

Stewart Island Ferries have resumed services across the Foveaux Strait

Stewart Island Experience (SIE) ferries will resume a winter scheduled service from Monday 18^th May under Alert Level 2.  (See timetable below.)  Initially, there will not be a coach connection between Bluff and Invercargill until further notice. 

Part of Real Journeys, the ferry service will run at less than half its normal capacity and has been configured to maintain and manage physical distancing of at least 1 metre between groups of travellers as per Alert Level 2 government requirements. Between each sailing, additional cleaning routines of passenger areas and freight bins are completed.  Hand sanitizer is readily available throughout the journey.

Real Journeys General Manager Paul Norris says the SIE crews are ready to start carrying more passengers.  “The crew are well versed in the strict COVID-19 protocols.  For almost two months throughout Alert Levels 3 and 4, the ferries have been providing an essential service – mainly carrying supplies to the island, as well as passengers with special exemptions from the travel restrictions,” says Norris. 

Anyone showing cold or flu-like symptoms will not be allowed to board and is politely requested to delay or cancel by phone or email before travel.  

Stewart Island is waiting to be explored

FERRY TIMETABLE FROM MONDAY 18^TH May:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday:

• 0800 ex Oban 0900 arrival Bluff
• 0945 ex Bluff 1045 arrival Oban

 Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday:

• 0800 ex Oban 0900 arrival Bluff
• 0945 ex Bluff 1045 arrival Oban
• 1500 ex Oban 1600 arrival Bluff
• 1630 ex Bluff arrival 1730 Oban
  
  

Visit the Stewart Island Experience website to make your booking or email the team on emailing [email protected] for more information.