Cruise Quest app screenshots
New
The Cruise Quest app is here.
Bar Bingo & Cruise Cameo · works offline!
// MENU
HomeCruise SearchShipsPortsBlog
Share
South PacificSouth Pacific - Australia

Bluff Cruise Port

Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand
Bluff is a small town located in the Southland region of New Zealand's South Island.

Ships in port today
No ships in port today
Safety rank
#136
of 318 ports in the South Pacific
Today · high / low
64° / 36°
September normals
Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand cruise port
South Pacific - Australia
Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand
// Bluff cruise port overview

The cruise port in Bluff,
explained

Lat: 46.6°SLong: 168.3°ETimezone: Pacific/AucklandINTN code: BUFNZ

Bluff is a small town located in the Southland region of New Zealand's South Island. It is situated at the southernmost tip of the country, and is the gateway to Stewart Island.

Bluff is known for its stunning views of the Foveaux Strait, which separates the South Island from Stewart Island. The town is home to a number of attractions, including the Bluff Maritime Museum, the Bluff Hill Lookout, and the Bluff Oyster Festival.

Bluff is also home to a number of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a great place to explore and enjoy the local culture. The town is also a popular destination for fishing, with a number of charter boats available for hire.

Bluff is a great place to visit for those looking for a unique experience in New Zealand. With its stunning views, interesting attractions, and vibrant culture, Bluff is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

// Bluff Cruise Port location

Where is Bluff Cruise Port?

Bluff (Invercargill) is located at the southernmost tip of New Zealand's South Island. It is situated on the Foveaux Strait, which separates the South Island from Stewart Island. The port is located on the Bluff Harbour, which is a sheltered inlet of the Foveaux Strait. It is a popular port of call for cruise ships, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and easy access to the many attractions of the region.

General location
South Pacific
Category
South Pacific - Australia
Coordinates
46.60°S, 168.35°E
Time zone
Pacific/Auckland
Cruise port · 46.60°S, 168.35°E
Map data · OpenStreetMap
// Bluff cruise port guide

What to do in Bluff

A shortlist of places worth your hours ashore, grouped by the kind of day you want.

Ways to spend the day

3 themes
Theme 1

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity in Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand. The area is home to a variety of fish species, including snapper, kingfish, and trevally. Anglers can choose from a variety of fishing spots, from the shoreline to the deep sea. Fishing charters are also available for those looking for a more guided experience.

Theme 2

Hiking

Hiking is a great way to explore the natural beauty of Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand. There are a variety of trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. From the stunning views of the Foveaux Strait to the rugged coastline, there is something for everyone. Hikers can also explore the historic sites and learn about the area's rich history.

Theme 3

Kayaking

Kayaking is a great way to explore the stunning coastline of Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand. There are a variety of kayaking tours available, from leisurely paddles to more adventurous trips. Kayakers can explore the area's hidden coves and inlets, as well as the many islands that dot the coastline. Kayaking is a great way to get up close and personal with the area's wildlife and natural beauty.

Bluff cruise port beaches

3 in our guide
O

Oreti Beach

Oreti Beach is a stunning beach located near Bluff, New Zealand. It is a long stretch of golden sand, with rolling waves and a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and fishing, and is also a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenery. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, dolphins, and seals.

S

Stirling Point

Stirling Point is a popular beach near Bluff, New Zealand. It is a long stretch of white sand, with crystal clear waters and a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and fishing, and is also a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenery. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, dolphins, and seals.

T

Tiwai Point

Tiwai Point is a stunning beach located near Bluff, New Zealand. It is a long stretch of white sand, with rolling waves and a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and fishing, and is also a great place to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenery. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds, dolphins, and seals.

// Bluff fun facts

The Bluff Oyster Festival

The Bluff Oyster Festival is an annual event held in the town of Bluff. It celebrates the local delicacy of Bluff oysters, which are harvested from the Foveaux Strait. The festival includes live music, food stalls, and a variety of activities for all ages. It is a popular event for locals and tourists alike.

The Bluff Maritime Museum

The Bluff Maritime Museum is a museum dedicated to the maritime history of the town of Bluff. It houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the town's maritime past. The museum also offers educational programs and activities for visitors of all ages. It is a great place to learn about the history of Bluff and its connection to the sea.

The World's Steepest Street

Bluff is home to the world's steepest street, known as 'Baldwin Street'. It has a gradient of 1 in 2.86, making it the steepest street in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. The street is lined with shops and cafes, and is a popular tourist attraction. It is also the site of the annual Baldwin Street Gutbuster, a fun run up the street.

Bluff cruise port shopping

3 in our guide
B

Bluff Souvenir Shop

The Bluff Souvenir Shop is a great place to find unique souvenirs from the Bluff (Invercargill) area. The shop offers a wide selection of items, including postcards, magnets, and other trinkets. They also have a great selection of New Zealand-themed items, such as t-shirts, hats, and mugs. Prices are reasonable, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

T

The Bluff Gift Shop

The Bluff Gift Shop is a great place to find souvenirs from the Bluff (Invercargill) area. The shop offers a wide selection of items, including postcards, magnets, and other trinkets. They also have a great selection of New Zealand-themed items, such as t-shirts, hats, and mugs. Prices are reasonable, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

T

The Warehouse

The Warehouse is a great shopping option near the Bluff (Invercargill) cruise port. It offers a wide selection of souvenirs, including clothing, jewelry, and home decor. The store also has a great selection of New Zealand-made products, such as Kiwi-themed mugs, t-shirts, and keychains. Prices are reasonable, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

// Bluff Cruise Port Terminals

Which Bluff cruise terminal will your ship use?

Your cruise line assigns the pier — here's what each one means for your day ashore.

2 piers in Bluff
Pier 1 of 2

Stewart Island Ferry Terminal

The Strand, Bluff 9814, New Zealand

The Stewart Island Ferry Terminal is located on The Strand in Bluff, New Zealand. It is the main port of call for cruise ships visiting Stewart Island, located just off the coast of Bluff. The terminal offers a range of services to passengers, including a shuttle service to the nearby town of Invercargill.

Pier 2 of 2

Port of Bluff

The Strand, Bluff 9814, New Zealand

The Port of Bluff is the main cruise ship terminal in Bluff, New Zealand. It is located on The Strand and is the gateway to the stunning Fiordland National Park. The port is well-equipped to handle large cruise ships and offers a range of services to passengers, including a shuttle service to the nearby town of Invercargill.

Wi-Fi

The Bluff Information Centre (located at the Bluff Maritime Museum) offers free wifi access to visitors. Additionally, there are several cafes and restaurants in the area that offer free wifi access.

Safety

Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand is a very safe cruise port. The area is generally peaceful and crime rates are low. The port is well-maintained and monitored by security personnel. There are no known safety concerns for visitors to the area.

Port address

Port of BluffThe StrandBluff 9814New Zealand

Bluff cruise port car rental

The closest car rental option near the Bluff (Invercargill) cruise port is Avis Car Rental. They offer a wide range of vehicles, from small economy cars to larger family vehicles. They also offer a range of additional services, such as GPS navigation, child seats, and additional driver coverage. Other car rental options in the area include Budget, Hertz, and Thrifty. All of these companies offer competitive rates and a variety of vehicles to choose from.

Piers are assigned by the cruise line — check your ship's docking notice the morning you arrive.

// Weather

Bluff Cruise Port Weather

South Pacific - Australia·30-year historical averages
Sep averages · Bluff
49°
Avg · °F
Cool, frequent showers
High
64°F
Low
36°F
Rain
4.0 in
Excursions that suit this weather
// Year-round in Bluff

Average monthly temperature and rainfall. This month is highlighted.

Avg temp °FRainfall in
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDECMONTHLY NORMALS · °F AND IN
// Bluff cruise ship schedule

Bluff Cruise Port Traffic Today

No cruise ships are scheduled in Bluff today, Tuesday, September 15, 2026. Check the schedule for another date to see when ships are next due alongside.

// Keep exploring

Popular ports in the South Pacific

Other ports cruisers visit most in the South Pacific.

// Questions

Bluff cruise port, answered

The things cruisers ask most before a day ashore in Bluff.

Where is Bluff cruise port located?

Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand cruise port is located in South Pacific. Bluff (Invercargill) is located at the southernmost tip of New Zealand's South Island. It is situated on the Foveaux Strait, which separates the South Island from Stewart Island. The port is located on the Bluff Harbour, which is a sheltered inlet of the Foveaux Strait. It is a popular port of call for cruise ships, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and easy access to the many attractions of the region.

Is Bluff a good cruise port to visit?

No, Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand is not a good cruise port. There are no cruise ships that visit the port, and there are no facilities for cruise ships to dock.

How safe is Bluff cruise port for passengers?

Bluff cruise port has a safety score of 8.3 out of 10, ranking #136 of 318 ports in South Pacific. Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand is a very safe cruise port. The area is generally peaceful and crime rates are low. The port is well-maintained and monitored by security personnel. There are no known safety concerns for visitors to the area.

What is the weather like at Bluff cruise port in September?

In September, Bluff cruise port has average high temperatures of 64°F (18°C) and average lows of 36°F (2°C).

How many excursions are available at Bluff cruise port?

There are currently 768 excursions and tours available at Bluff cruise port, covering everything from guided sightseeing and cultural experiences to water sports and adventure activities. Book in advance to secure your preferred experience.

What are the top things to do at Bluff cruise port?

Bluff cruise port offers 3 featured activities and attractions. Popular highlights include: Fishing, Hiking, Kayaking. Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. From the rugged coastline to the rolling hills, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as fishing, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking. There are also plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, such as seals, dolphins, and penguins. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of scenic spots to take in the views, as well as a range of local restaurants and cafes to enjoy.

Can I rent a car at Bluff cruise port?

The closest car rental option near the Bluff (Invercargill) cruise port is Avis Car Rental. They offer a wide range of vehicles, from small economy cars to larger family vehicles. They also offer a range of additional services, such as GPS navigation, child seats, and additional driver coverage. Other car rental options in the area include Budget, Hertz, and Thrifty. All of these companies offer competitive rates and a variety of vehicles to choose from.

What is the WiFi situation at Bluff cruise port?

The Bluff Information Centre (located at the Bluff Maritime Museum) offers free wifi access to visitors. Additionally, there are several cafes and restaurants in the area that offer free wifi access.

Where is the cruise terminal at Bluff cruise port?

The address of Bluff (Invercargill), New Zealand cruise port is:Port of BluffThe StrandBluff 9814New Zealand

What is the Bluff Cruise Port cruise schedule?

There are no cruise ships scheduled at Bluff today. Use the cruise ship schedule above to check Bluff on any past or future date.

Sign up or
Sign in

Save your cruise, track reviews for your cabin, set cruise price drop alerts, & more with an account.

No password needed · Sign-in code sent