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Foveaux Strait Ferry

Southland  >  New Zealand

The one-hour ferry between Bluff and Rakiura/Stewart Island offers great pelagic birding with several albatross species such as Buller's Albatross.

Added* by Jonathan Klawitter
Most recent update 31 august 2024

Description

While the crossing can be rough, calm days offer excellent pelagic seabirding from the ferry. The afterdeck provides shelter from the wind and a broad viewing angle.

At both ends of the ride, especially near Oban in summer, you'll have the chance to spot three penguin species - Fiordland Penguin, Yellow-eyed Penguin, and Little Penguin - along with various gulls, terns, shags, and Brown Skua. In the open ocean section, six albatross species are regularly observed, including Buller's Albatross, Salvin's Albatross, and Royal Albatross (Southern). Additionally, thirteen other regularly seen seabirds, such as Sooty Shearwater, Fluttering Shearwater, and Fairy Prion, are regularly seen, with occasional sightings of more.

Details

Access

The ferry between Bluff and Oban to Stewart Island typically runs twice a day.

Terrain and Habitat

Sea

Conditions

Wet , Slippery , Flat

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn

Best time to visit

Summer

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Wheelchair , Boat

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Extra info

If the weather is not on your side and you don't have strong sealegs, come prepared as the crossing can become quite rough.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

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