Stewart Island Day Tour delivers an unforgettable fly-in, fly-out adventure to New Zealand’s southernmost destination, offering untouched natural beauty and total freedom to explore at your own pace. Operated by Glenorchy Air, this unique experience combines spectacular scenic flights with a self-guided day in one of the country’s most remote and unspoiled regions.
Your day begins with a breathtaking scenic flight from Queenstown, soaring high over The Remarkables mountain range and tracing the winding Oreti River as it carves through lush Southland farmland. Keep your camera ready as you cross the dramatic Foveaux Strait, with Dog Island, Ruapuki Island, and Stewart Island’s rugged coastline appearing on the horizon.
After touching down at Ryan’s Creek Airstrip, perched above the quaint township of Oban, your Stewart Island Day Tour truly begins. Unlike guided tours, this experience is self-directed, allowing you to discover the island entirely on your terms. Whether you’re drawn to the serene beaches, lush native forests, or abundant birdlife, this tour gives you complete freedom to create your own adventure.
Stroll along untouched bays, explore dense bush trails, and keep an eye out for rare species like the Stewart Island robin and the elusive kiwi in its natural habitat. Photographers will love the endless opportunities for capturing dramatic coastal vistas, ancient rainforests, and charming harbour scenes.
If a laid-back day is more your style, head into the peaceful town of Oban to relax at a local café, sample fresh seafood, and soak up the slow pace of island life. With no tour groups, tight schedules, or preset itineraries, you’ll experience Stewart Island as it was meant to be — raw, wild, and wonderfully uncrowded.
As the day draws to a close, return to Ryan’s Creek Airstrip for your scenic flight back to Queenstown. The return journey offers another round of aerial magic as you fly over the southern coastline, the sprawling Southland plains, and towering mountain ranges.
Stewart Island Day Tour is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, solo adventurers, and anyone seeking an authentic, flexible New Zealand experience far from the usual tourist trails.
