While travelling in New Zealand and after some time in Auckland, I flew south to visit my dear friend Colleen in Dunedin. Keen to do something a little different, Colleen suggested Stewart Island—Rakiura in te reo Māori—and I was instantly on board! (Yes, that pun was intended).

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If you’re planning a visit to this remote southern gem, the easiest and most efficient way to get there is by air. Stewart Island Flights operates regular services between the southern city of Invercargill and the island, along with scenic and charter flights to some of the island’s more remote and stunning spots. It’s only a 20 min flight compared with the one hour ferry service which leaves from Bluff, about an hour away from Invercargill which is often cancelled, due to weather. These flights though, usually go in any weather… read on

We checked in at Invercargill Airport on what had to be one of the windiest days in the Southland region. The wild weather made Colleen seriously reconsider the whole trip, she very nearly pulled the pin. I, on the other hand, was buzzing with excitement. A quick tip for travellers: the baggage allowance is only 15kg per person, so pack light! Later, while I was happily chatting away in the terminal, Colleen gently asked me to tone it down, especially on the flight, as she was feeling a bit anxious and worried about getting airsick, especially when a lady sitting near us on her phone said “I had an early lunch so I don’t bring it up”…

Stewart Island Flights operate the Britten-Norman Islander which is a rugged, twin engine aircraft renowned for its short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities. First flown in 1965, its ideal for remote areas with limited infrastructure. With seating for up to nine passengers, the Islander is used worldwide for inter-island transport, cargo, medical evacuation, and military operations. Its reliability and versatility have made it one of the most successful utility aircraft in aviation history. Stewart Island Flights operate two of the aircraft and we flew the same one there and back.

Now, I’d never flown on a Britten-Norman Islander before and wasn’t quite sure what to expect. While it’s an awesome little aircraft, sturdy and reliable, it’s definitely on the cosy side inside, with a snug cabin and minimal space to stretch out!

Shortly after takeoff, it was Colleen who struck up a cheerful conversation with the lovely lady behind her. Meanwhile, I was the one clutching the sick bag! I didn’t end up needing it, but to my surprise, I was the one feeling airsick, something that’s never happened to me before. Colleen, completely unfazed, chatted away happily. We had a good laugh about the role reversal later on.

The queasiness began to ease as we approached Stewart Island, flying in over the main township of Oban. The weather had settled by then, and we experienced one of the smoothest landings I’ve ever had. From the airstrip, a courtesy van met all passengers and transferred us into Oban, conveniently included in the fare.

After a delightful two-night stay on Stewart Island / Rakiura—which I’ll share more about in a future post—we were once again taken by the courtesy van from the main office in Oban to the airstrip for our return flight to Invercargill. Thankfully, the wind and rain had eased, and while I was a little nervous, I was mostly excited for the return journey.

Choosing the morning flight was a great choice. Clear-ish skies and sunshine made for ideal flying conditions. As we crossed the Foveaux Strait, we enjoyed stunning views of Stewart Island’s lush green hills before flying over the straits deep blue waters.

This time around, feeling much less queasy, I was able to take in more of the experience and noticed that we were flying at a relatively low altitude of just 1,150 feet (350 metres) for the 55 kilometre journey across the Strait—making the stunning scenery even more vivid and enjoyable throughout the flight.

As we flew toward the southern coastline of New Zealand, the breathtaking views provided a perfect farewell. It was a stunning and fitting end to an unforgettable adventure on beautiful Stewart Island / Rakiura.

Once again, we touched down with an incredibly smooth landing, easily one of the best I’ve ever experienced. It was hard to believe we were already back so quickly, as the descent was so gentle it felt like we’d barely landed at all.

I absolutely loved my trip to Stewart Island, an unforgettable experience surrounded by natural beauty and a true sense of tranquillity. Although the flight over was a little nerve wracking, the return flight more than made up for it with smooth skies and stunning aerial views. The charm of the island, the friendly locals, and the breathtaking scenery made every moment worthwhile, and I’d happily return in a heartbeat—turbulence or not!

Stewart Island Flights

Visiting Stewart Island / Rakiura? Click HERE

NEW ZEALAND!