Ferry to Bluff

Compare all available ferry crossings and secure the best deals for your journey. At Openferry, we make it easy to find and book ferry tickets to and from Bluff in just a few clicks.

Because ferry travel can be seasonal, frequencies and departure times often change throughout the year. We recommend using our live search to see the most accurate schedules and information for your travel dates including:

Popular Connections: The port of Bluff connects to several high-traffic destinations, including Oban (Stewart Island) - Bluff.

Top-Tier Operators: Regular services to and from Bluff are provided by leading carriers like Stewart Island Experience.

Amenities vary depending on the specific vessel and operator, but most ferries serving Bluff feature:

Comfortable Seating: Options ranging from standard lounges to premium airplane-style seats.

Dining & Leisure: Onboard cafés and restaurants serving food and drinks.

Travel Essentials: Restroom facilities and, on longer routes, private cabins for added privacy.

Vehicle Transport: Most sailings accommodate cars, motorbikes, and campervans, allowing you to take your own transport to Bluff.

Bluff is currently served by 2 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry operators including Stewart Island Experience.

Bluff is easily accessible via State Highway 1, lying just 30 kilometers south of Invercargill, New Zealand's southernmost city. Regular bus services connect Bluff to Invercargill, with the journey taking approximately 25 minutes. From Queenstown, allow about 2.5 hours by car, while Dunedin is roughly a 3-hour drive away. The ferry terminal in Bluff is well-signposted and offers ample parking facilities for those arriving by car. For travelers coming from further afield, Invercargill Airport provides domestic connections, with shuttle services available to transport you to the Bluff ferry terminal.

Perched at the southern tip of New Zealand's South Island, Bluff stands as one of the world's southernmost settlements and a vital maritime hub. This historic port town, established in 1824, offers visitors rugged coastal landscapes, fresh seafood, and authentic local character rarely found elsewhere. As your ferry arrival point, Bluff serves as both destination and gateway to the natural wonders of Southland and beyond.

Bluff experiences a temperate maritime climate, with summer temperatures averaging 14-19°C (December to February) and winter dropping to 5-10°C (June to August). The most pleasant time to visit is between November and April when days are longer and weather conditions more favorable for ferry crossings and outdoor exploration. May brings the famous Bluff Oyster and Food Festival, a must-attend event for seafood lovers. Ferry services to Stewart Island operate year-round but run more frequently during summer months. Autumn (March-April) offers a sweet spot of mild weather, fewer tourists, and the bonus of the oyster season in full swing.

Stewart Island/Rakiura is the premier destination from Bluff, with regular ferry services crossing Foveaux Strait in just one hour, offering a chance to experience New Zealand's third largest island and its pristine wilderness. The Catlins coastal area is accessible via a scenic coastal route east of Bluff, perfect for a day trip to see stunning waterfalls and rare wildlife. Fiordland National Park, though requiring additional land travel, makes an excellent extended journey from Bluff, showcasing some of New Zealand's most dramatic landscapes. For those interested in island-hopping, consider taking the ferry to Stewart Island and then arranging boat tours to smaller surrounding islands like Ulva Island, a predator-free bird sanctuary.

Climb to the top of Bluff Hill (Motupōhue) for panoramic views of Foveaux Strait and the surrounding coastline – on clear days, you might even spot Stewart Island. Sample world-famous Bluff oysters at local seafood restaurants, particularly between March and August when these delicacies are in season. Visit the Bluff Maritime Museum to delve into the region's rich seafaring history through fascinating exhibits and artifacts. Explore the Stirling Point walkway where you'll find the iconic signpost marking distances to major world cities and the beginning of State Highway 1. The nearby Te Rau Aroha Marae showcases stunning Māori architecture and cultural significance in the southernmost tribal area of New Zealand.

Bluff claims to be the oldest European settlement in New Zealand, established in 1824 when Captain James Spencer built the first permanent residence. The town sits beside one of the strongest and most dangerous tidal currents in New Zealand – Foveaux Strait – which has claimed numerous vessels over the centuries. Bluff oysters are so prized that the annual harvest is strictly controlled, with the season running from March 1st to August 31st, creating a national food celebration. The famous Bluff signpost at Stirling Point isn't actually at the southernmost point of the South Island – that honor belongs to Slope Point, located further east in the Catlins region.