Stewart Island Air Flights

Rates: Flights from NZ$155 per person return. Masons Bay Excursion from NZ$269 per person. >> View Tour Map

Stewart Island Flights operate three scheduled flights between the South Island (Invercargill) and Stewart Island as well as providing access to the recommended "Coast to Coast" Fly-Walk-Water taxi excursion from Masons Bay to Freshwater Landing. All aircrafts (Britten Norman Islanders, Piper Cherokee Six and Cessna 185) are maintained to the highest standard and fulfil all safety requirements. Flight between Invercargill airport and  and Stewart Island takes 30 minutes.

The Stewart Island Coast to Coast is one of Stewart Island Flights’ most popular and unique innovations. Appealing to any traveller up for a taste of New Zealand in its natural untouched state, the Coast to Coast is a gentle sample of the island’s more rigorous North-West Circuit.

Trampers can take in spectacular aerial views of Paterson Inlet and Mason Bay before an exciting beach landing - definitely a one-of-a-kind experience! The walk between Mason Bay and the Freshwater Hut is an invigorating four hours on mostly flat tracks, including a stretch of boardwalk over the island’s Chocolate Swamp.

The track features ever-changing vistas as it crosses diverse landscapes, from dunes to wetlands, scrub to rainforest. From Freshwater, trampers enjoy a scenic boat trip with Seaview Water Taxis along the meandering Freshwater River, crossing Paterson Inlet to Golden Bay.

Alternatively the trip can be made in reverse, from Golden Bay through to Mason Bay, flying from the beach back to Oban to gain an aerial perspective of the track while the memories are still fresh. Flights directly linking Mason Bay and Invercargill are also possible.

A number of options are available, including overnight stays at either the Mason Bay or Freshwater Department of Conservation huts. This allows for the increased opportunity of spotting New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, in its natural environment.

A good night out kiwi-spotting is always memorable, whether the kiwi make an appearance or not. Stewart Island is unique for its kiwi-spotting opportunities, the only place in the world where there is a chance of viewing them in their natural habitat.

Please note: Trips are weather and tide dependant

minimum numbers apply

average level of fitness required

warm clothing must be carried

adequate footwear must be worn

seasonal weather will affect the condition of the track