Paterson Inlet (officially Paterson Inlet / Whaka a Te Wera[3]) is a large natural harbour—specifically a ria—in the eastern coast of Stewart Island, New Zealand.

Much of the land surrounding Paterson Inlet is unspoilt forest, and runoff into the harbour is especially clean.

This region was first inhabited by the Māori, who settled at a locale known as The Neck, which is a long peninsula that extends across the mouth of the inlet from the southern coast.

The only town on Stewart Island, Oban is located on the north coast of the inlet, close to its mouth.

Southern right whales were the main target in this area and over exploited.