Oban (Stewart Island) - Ulva Island

Ferries to Stewart Island

Oban (Stewart Island) - Ulva Island
 

Ferry from Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island

Ulva Island Water Taxi provides the ferry from Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island. Oban (Stewart Island) Ulva Island ferries cost from just $111 and vary based on season, availability and whether you’re going by foot or by car. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry schedules change seasonally. Use our Deal Finder to get the latest ferry ticket information for Oban (Stewart Island) Ulva Island ferries.

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Ferry from Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island


Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island Ferry Pricing, Offers & Availability

Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island Ferry Price

Oban (Stewart Island) Ulva Island ferry prices typically range from $111* to $112*. The average ferry price from Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island is around $111*. The cheapest fares usually start from $111*. The average foot passenger ticket costs $111*.

Prices may vary depending on passenger numbers, vehicle type, route and sailing time. Pricing data is based on searches from the last 30 days, excludes service fees, and was last updated September 26.

Cheap Ferry Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island

We make it easy to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, helping you find the best option for your trip. Visit our Special Offers page to see current discounts on selected routes and operators. Booking early is often the best way to secure lower prices and better availability.

Are there any discounts available for senior citizens, students or residents?

Yes, Direct Ferries offers a range of discounts throughout the year. Where available, senior discounts are applied automatically during the search process. Simply select the relevant age range when entering passenger details.

Students and graduates can receive a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To claim this, you’ll need to register with our partner Student Beans and verify your student or graduate status. Once confirmed, you’ll receive a discount code to use at checkout.

Resident discounts are available on selected Spanish and Italian routes. When applicable, choose the “Residents” option during booking, and the discount will be applied automatically. Please note that proof of residence or a valid ID with the correct address must be shown at check-in.

For more information on budget-friendly ferry travel, also check out our discounts guide.

Oban (Stewart Island) Ulva Island Ferry Time

The first ferry from Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island usually departs at around 10:30, with the last sailing leaving at approximately 11:15.

Can I do a day trip from Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island?

Yes, day trips between Oban (Stewart Island) and Ulva Island are possible and very popular thanks to the short crossing time and frequent sailings. Traveling with a vehicle can also be a great way to explore the area at your own pace. For inspiration on what to do when you arrive, take a look at our blog.


Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island Travel with Vehicles & Pets

Can I bring my car on the ferry from Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island?

No, ferry operators currently do not allow cars on sailings between Oban (Stewart Island) and Ulva Island.

Can I bring my caravan on the ferry from Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island?

Whether you can take a campervan or caravan on the ferry depends on the operator and vessel used for your chosen crossing. Simply enter your travel details into our search bar to see which operators and vehicle options are available for this route.

For more advice and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan or caravan, visit our blog or Caravan Holiday Guide.

Can I travel by bicycle on the Oban (Stewart Island) ferry to Ulva Island?

Currently, bicycles are not permitted on ferries traveling between Oban (Stewart Island) and Ulva Island.

Can I travel as a foot passenger from Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island?

Yes, foot passengers can travel on ferries between Oban (Stewart Island) and Ulva Island with Ulva Island Water Taxi.

Can I take my pet on the ferry from Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island?

Pets are currently not permitted on ferries traveling from Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island. Use our Deal Finder to search for alternative routes that allow pet travel.

Traveling with guide dogs and assistance dogs

Please be aware that even if pets are not allowed on board, different regulations may apply to passengers traveling with guide dogs and assistance dogs. We recommend talking to our customer service to check the specific rules on your preferred sailing. For general information on travelling with assistant dogs and guide dogs, visit our Special Assistance Help page and our dedicated Accessible Ferry Travel guide.

Can I take an overnight ferry from Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island?

Whether an overnight ferry runs between Oban (Stewart Island) and Ulva Island depends on the operator and timetable. To check if an overnight option is available, enter your travel details in our search bar. The results will show if your chosen sailing operates overnight, plus current timetables and alternative day crossings.

Please note that overnight crossings can sometimes take a little longer than daytime sailings.


Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island Journey Information

International Travel Rules

Travel requirements vary by route, so it’s important to confirm which documents you need before you travel. In most international cases, you will need a valid passport to travel from Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island, and possibly a visa or national ID depending on your nationality and the destination’s rules. To avoid delays at check-in, see our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide and our page on international travel advice for useful tips.


Travel Smart: How to book a ferry

Booking your Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island ferry tickets

To book ferry tickets, enter your departure and arrival ports plus your travel date. You’ll then see all available sailings and prices. The search also shows alternative routes and times so you can choose the best option for your trip.

Watch out for early-booking deals and special ticket types like upgrades or flexi fares that allow changes or cancellations. To ensure a smooth booking, enter accurate details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specifications.

Tip: Also check out our 101 on Booking and Boarding Your Ferry and Frequently Asked Questions page.

Collecting your ferry tickets from Oban (Stewart Island) port

After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email. How your boarding pass is issued depends on the ferry operator you’ve booked with.

Some operators provide the boarding pass at the time of booking, while others require you to check in at the port. Where available, you can usually check in online via the Direct Ferries app.

Ticket desks are typically located close to the terminals. To avoid delays at the port, allow extra time for ticket collection and check-in.

At check-in, you will need to show your booking confirmation and an official photo ID (for example, a passport or identity card). You may also be asked for pet documentation (vaccinations, insurance, etc.) or proof of residence if you applied a resident discount to your booking.

Why are there no ferries available on the date I want to travel?

There are several reasons why no sailings may be available from Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island on your chosen date. This can include temporary timetable changes, limited capacity, or seasonal adjustments to services. We recommend checking alternative dates or nearby routes to find the best available option.

When is the best time to book a ferry to Ulva Island?

The best time to book ferries from Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island is generally as early as possible. Booking in advance often means lower prices, along with a wider choice of departure times and cabin or seating options.

To secure the best deals, we recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead of travel. Please note that prices can vary depending on the season and availability.

Why use Direct Ferries?

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Oban (Stewart Island) - Ulva Island Ferry Route Prices 
Foot Passenger$111
Oban (Stewart Island) - Ulva Island Ferry Route Summary 
OriginStewart Island
DestinationStewart Island
No. of Operators1
OperatorsUlva Island Water Taxi
Average Price$111
Average Daily Sailings1
Average Weekly Sailings7
Average Sailing Duration30 m
Fastest Sailing Duration30 m
First Ferry10:30
Last Ferry11:15
Distance2 Nautical Miles

* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026. 

Oban (Stewart Island) to Ulva Island Ferry Most Popular Questions

Oban (Stewart Island) Guide

Oban (Stewart Island) Ferry Port

Oban is found on the popular tourist destination of Stewart Island, the third largest belonging to New Zealand. The only ferry route departing the port is to Bluff on South Island, supplied by Stewart Island Experience Ferries and typically lasts around an hour.

What is there to do in Oban?

A sleepy island predominantly inhabited by fishermen, Oban and Stewart Island is the perfect place for visitors to escape the stress of New Zealand’s busy cities and bask in the beautiful nature synonymous with the island. As well as fishing, the main pastime is birdwatching or animal spotting; along the shoreline lie a myriad of unusual animals such as Cape Pigeons, mollymawks and even penguins can be found dotted around the coast. Whilst witnessing the wildlife in the great outdoors, it makes sense to embark on one of the intriguing walking trails scattered around the beautiful terrain. The views from the top of some of the challenging hills and mountains are breathtaking enough to make the journey there worthwhile. After a long day outside, savour some of the delicious food served at the wide range of restaurants, with seafood typically being the special of the day.

How do visitors get around Oban?

Oban is so small that it is possible to cover the entirety of it by foot, which is the desirable option considering the alluring walking trails and picturesque views.


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