Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - Day Trip to Stewart Island

Thinking of doing a day trip to Stewart Island in Mid November from Invercargil & wondered if it was worth it & an idea of prices for both flying or ferry from Bluff.
Have looked at a couple of websites but can find no prices this early on.

Its a small airline - I doubt they take advance bookings that far ahead. To get an idea of prices look at next months' rates. No guarantees they won't go up of course.

Is it worth taking a day trip over there?
We've done the Catlins, Slope Point, Curio bay etc & will probably spend a day going back over some of the same areas.
Always liked the look of Stewart Island but did not think there would be enough to do an overnight stay there.

Thinking of doing a day trip to Stewart Island in Mid November from Invercargil & wondered if it was worth it & an idea of prices for both flying or ferry from Bluff.
Have looked at a couple of websites but can find no prices this early on.

I've done the flight to Stewart Island twice ... both times for 3 and 4 day trips.

Stewart Island Flights (http://www.stewartislandflights.com/) has a couple small planes ... 6 or so seaters. The site has prices. The flight is quick, but can be a bit cramped.

As far as "worth it" ... depends what you want. Both times I traveled in April which is shoulder almost low season ... but was great for hiking as you almost have the island to yourself, was cool, and rates were not peak.

If you're into hiking or bird watching (especially on Ulva Island) you won't be disappointed. There are many short, medium, long hikes and a couple circuits a week or more.

You'll arrive near the "big" town of Oban. Not many places to eat there ... 3 or 4 I think, 1 small grocery store. During tourist season I think they have boats, kayaks available there ... biking and scooters for touring the island available for hire.

If you're looking for the typical tourist trappy type experience, you'll be disappointed. If you looking for a place to get away ... do some quiet hiking, bird watching and can handle living minimally for a few days .. or just one day ... then you'll love it.

I'd imagine Nov will be a little more crowded but not as crowded as Dec or Jan.

I spent two days on Stewart Island last Feb. As stated elsewhere, it's great for hikers and birdwatchers. Anybody else might be really bored. I took the ferry both ways. The website says right now it's $120NZ round trip but that may change of course. Have you tried this site ?: http://www.stewartislandexperience.co.nz/

It shows some different day itineraries. They also run a guided birdwatching trip to Ulva island. I did that and was very happy with it.

If you do stay overnight be sure to book early. Also - I am not prone to seasickness, but had the worst boat ride of my life on the ferry going to the island (coming back was just fine) - so just be prepared :-).