There are 5 ways to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Stewart Island by plane, ferry or bus
Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner.
Recommended option
Fly to Invercargill, ferry
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Fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Invercargill (IVC)
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Take the ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island
4 alternative options
Fly to Queenstown Airport, fly to Ryan's Creek Aerodrome, Stewart Island
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Fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Queenstown (ZQN)
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Take the plane from Queenstown Airport to Ryan's Creek Aerodrome, Stewart Island
Fly to Dunedin, bus to Queenstown Airport, fly to Ryan's Creek Aerodrome, Stewart Island
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Fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Dunedin (DUD)
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Take the bus from Dunedin Airport to Frankton Bus Interchange
-
Take the plane from Queenstown Airport to Ryan's Creek Aerodrome, Stewart Island
Fly to Wanaka, bus to Queenstown Airport, fly to Ryan's Creek Aerodrome, Stewart Island
-
Fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Wanaka (WKA)
-
Take the bus from Luggate to Frankton Bus Interchange
-
Take the plane from Queenstown Airport to Ryan's Creek Aerodrome, Stewart Island
Fly to Timaru, bus, bus to Queenstown Airport, fly to Ryan's Creek Aerodrome, Stewart Island
-
Fly from Melbourne (MEL) to Timaru (TIU)
-
Take the bus from Temuka to Ashburton
-
Take the bus from Ashburton to Frankton Bus Interchange
-
Take the plane from Queenstown Airport to Ryan's Creek Aerodrome, Stewart Island
Australia → New Zealand
Partially open
Travel safe during COVID-19
International entry into New Zealand from Australia
- Entry is partially open for citizens and permanent residents of Australia
Conditions of entry into New Zealand from Australia
- Entry is allowed only for fully vaccinated travellers
- Travel Declaration required prior to arrival
- Travellers must present a negative COVID-19 test as either a RT-PCR performed within 48 hours prior to arrival, or an Antigen test performed within 24 hours prior to arrival
- COVID-19 test upon arrival
- COVID-19 test 5 days after arrival
Show more details
- Entry is allowed only for fully vaccinated travellers
- Travel Declaration required prior to arrival
- Travellers must present a negative COVID-19 test as either a RT-PCR performed within 48 hours prior to arrival, or an Antigen test performed within 24 hours prior to arrival
- COVID-19 test upon arrival
- COVID-19 test 5 days after arrival
Show less
Rules to follow in New Zealand
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Recommended
Considerations leaving from Australia
The official advice is to avoid non-essential international travel to high risk countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I allowed to travel from Australia to New Zealand?
Yes, but conditions apply when entering New Zealand from Australia.
Explore options for future travel
What are the travel restrictions in Stewart Island?
Domestic travel is not restricted, but some conditions may apply
- Face masks are recommended
- There is a social distancing requirement of 2 metres
- Observe COVID-19 safety rules
- Further restrictions may be implemented at short notice
What is the national COVID-19 helpline number in Stewart Island?
The national COVID-19 helpline number in Stewart Island is 0800 358 5453.
Do I have to wear a face mask on public transport in Stewart Island?
Wearing a face mask on public transport in Stewart Island is recommended.
Is it compulsory to practice social distancing in Stewart Island?
The social distance requirement in Stewart Island is 2 metres.
What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms when I arrive in Stewart Island?
Make yourself known to an official member of staff and/or call the national coronavirus helpline number on 0800 358 5453.
Are there restrictions returning to Australia from New Zealand?
No, returning to Australia from New Zealand is currently allowed.
See options for return travel.
Last updated: 15 May 2022
Exceptions may apply, for full details: Ministry of Health.
We're working around the clock to bring you the latest COVID-19 travel updates.
This information is compiled from official sources. To the best of our knowledge, it is correct as of the last update.
Visit Rome2rio travel advice for general help.
Questions & Answers
What is the cheapest way to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Stewart Island?
The most affordable way to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Stewart Island is to fly and bus, which costs $650 - $1,200 and takes 11h 55m.
What is the fastest way to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Stewart Island?
The quickest way to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Stewart Island is to fly which costs $650 - $1,200 and takes 5h 2m.
How far is it from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Stewart Island?
The distance between Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Stewart Island is 2144 km.
How long does it take to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Stewart Island?
It takes approximately 8h 44m to get from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Stewart Island, including transfers.
How long is the flight from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Stewart Island?
There is no direct flight from Melbourne Airport to Invercargill Airport. The quickest flight takes 5h 50m and has one stopover.
What is the time difference between Melbourne Airport (MEL) and Stewart Island?
Stewart Island is 2h ahead of Melbourne Airport (MEL). It is currently 6:11 PM in Melbourne Airport (MEL) and 8:11 PM in Stewart Island.
Which airlines fly from Melbourne Airport to Invercargill Airport?
Qantas and Air New Zealand offer flights from Melbourne Airport to Invercargill Airport.
Launch map view
- Distance: 2143.9 km
- Duration: 8h 44m
What companies run services between Melbourne Airport (MEL), Australia and Stewart Island, Southland, New Zealand?
Jetstar, Air New Zealand and two other airlines fly from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Stewart Island hourly.
Airlines
- Website
- airnewzealand.com
Flights from Melbourne to Invercargill via Christchurch
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 50m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
- Estimated price
- $550 - $950
Flights from Melbourne to Invercargill via Queenstown, Christchurch
- Ave. Duration
- 9h 5m
- When
- Thursday and Friday
- Estimated price
- $550 - $1,000
Flights from Melbourne to Invercargill via Queenstown, Wellington
- Ave. Duration
- 9h 5m
- When
- Thursday and Friday
- Estimated price
- $600 - $1,200
Flights from Melbourne to Invercargill via Auckland, Wellington
- Ave. Duration
- 9h 15m
- When
- Monday
- Estimated price
- $650 - $1,200
Flights from Melbourne to Invercargill via Auckland, Christchurch
- Ave. Duration
- 9h 15m
- When
- Monday
- Estimated price
- $600 - $1,200
Flights from Melbourne to Queenstown
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 10m
- When
- Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Estimated price
- $380 - $800
Flights from Melbourne to Queenstown via Christchurch
- Ave. Duration
- 6h 5m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
- Estimated price
- $380 - $800
Flights from Melbourne to Queenstown via Auckland
- Ave. Duration
- 7h 5m
- When
- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- $380 - $800
Flights from Melbourne to Dunedin via Christchurch
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 45m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
- Estimated price
- $700 - $1,200
Flights from Melbourne to Dunedin via Wellington
- Ave. Duration
- 6h 40m
- When
- Monday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- $750 - $1,400
Flights from Melbourne to Dunedin via Auckland
- Ave. Duration
- 7h 35m
- When
- Monday
- Estimated price
- $800 - $1,600
Flights from Melbourne to Dunedin via Queenstown, Christchurch
- Ave. Duration
- 9h
- When
- Thursday and Friday
- Estimated price
- $700 - $1,300
Flights from Melbourne to Dunedin via Auckland, Christchurch
- Ave. Duration
- 9h 10m
- When
- Monday
- Estimated price
- $800 - $1,600
Flights from Melbourne to Dunedin via Queenstown, Wellington
- Ave. Duration
- 9h 45m
- When
- Thursday and Friday
- Estimated price
- $800 - $1,500
Flights from Melbourne to Dunedin via Auckland, Wellington
- Ave. Duration
- 9h 55m
- When
- Monday
- Estimated price
- $800 - $1,600
Flights from Melbourne to Timaru via Wellington
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 55m
- When
- Monday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- $500 - $900
Flights from Melbourne to Timaru via Queenstown, Wellington
- Ave. Duration
- 9h
- When
- Thursday and Friday
- Estimated price
- $500 - $900
Flights from Melbourne to Timaru via Auckland, Wellington
- Ave. Duration
- 9h 10m
- When
- Monday
- Estimated price
- $500 - $1,000
Flights from Melbourne to Timaru via Sydney, Wellington
- Ave. Duration
- 8h 50m
- When
- Tuesday and Thursday
- Estimated price
- $500 - $950
Flights from Melbourne to Timaru via Brisbane, Wellington
- Ave. Duration
- 9h
- When
- Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
- Estimated price
- $600 - $1,200
- Website
- qantas.com
Flights from Melbourne to Invercargill via Christchurch
- Ave. Duration
- 8h 25m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- $550 - $900
Flights from Melbourne to Invercargill via Wellington
- Ave. Duration
- 9h 15m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- $600 - $1,100
Flights from Melbourne to Queenstown
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 7m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $360 - $1,200
Flights from Melbourne to Queenstown via Sydney
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 15m
- When
- Monday to Friday
- Estimated price
- $420 - $1,500
Flights from Melbourne to Queenstown via Brisbane
- Ave. Duration
- 6h 35m
- When
- Wednesday and Saturday
- Estimated price
- $420 - $1,500
Flights from Melbourne to Dunedin via Auckland
- Ave. Duration
- 7h 10m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- $800 - $1,500
Flights from Melbourne to Dunedin via Christchurch
- Ave. Duration
- 8h 45m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- $700 - $1,200
- Website
- soundsair.com
Flights from Melbourne to Wanaka via Christchurch
- Ave. Duration
- 7h 42m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- $330 - $750
Flights from Melbourne to Wanaka via Auckland, Christchurch
- Ave. Duration
- 11h 20m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- $550 - $1,000
Flights from Melbourne to Wanaka via Sydney, Christchurch
- Ave. Duration
- 11h 35m
- When
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- $500 - $1,300
Flights from Melbourne to Wanaka via Nadi, Christchurch
- Ave. Duration
- 15h
- When
- Monday
- Estimated price
- $750 - $1,600
- Website
- virginaustralia.com
Flights from Melbourne to Queenstown
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 10m
- When
- Monday, Thursday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- $410 - $700
Flights from Melbourne to Queenstown via Sydney
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 20m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Estimated price
- $470 - $800
Flights from Melbourne to Queenstown via Brisbane
- Ave. Duration
- 6h 55m
- When
- Monday, Wednesday and Friday
- Estimated price
- $550 - $1,000
- Website
- jetstar.com
Flights from Melbourne to Queenstown
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 5m
- When
- Every day
- Estimated price
- $310 - $900
Flights from Melbourne to Queenstown via Sydney
- Ave. Duration
- 5h 25m
- When
- Monday, Friday and Sunday
- Estimated price
- $310 - $900
Bus operators
- Phone
- +64 9 583 5780
- Website
- intercity.co.nz
Bus from Dunedin Airport to Frankton Bus Interchange
- Ave. Duration
- 3h 39m
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $35 - $55
- Website
- InterCity
- Book at
- InterCity
Bus from Temuka to Ashburton
- Ave. Duration
- 44 min
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Estimated price
- $19 - $35
- Website
- InterCity
- Book at
- InterCity
Bus from Ashburton to Frankton Bus Interchange
- Website
- greatsights.co.nz
Bus from Luggate to Frankton Bus Interchange
- Ave. Duration
- 1h 24m
- Frequency
- 3 times a week
- Estimated price
- $12 - $17
- Website
- GreatSights
- Standard
- $12 - $17
- Flexi
- $29 - $40
Ferry operators
- Phone
- 0800 000 511
- info@sie.co.nz
- Website
- stewartislandexperience.co.nz
Ferry from Bluff to Stewart Island
- Ave. Duration
- 1h
- Frequency
- Twice daily
- Estimated price
- $85
- Schedules at
- stewartislandexperience.co.nz
Other operators
- Website
- glenorchyair.co.nz
Plane from Queenstown Airport to Ryan's Creek Aerodrome, Stewart Island
- Ave. Duration
- 1h
- Frequency
- On demand
- Estimated price
- $499
- Schedules at
- glenorchyair.co.nz
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