2 nights accommodation at Greenvale Bed & BreakfastDaily breakfastLunch vouchers for a local café on both daysUlva Island Guided Nature WalkReturn transfers to all activitiesStewart Island Kiwi Spotting TourExpert local nature guideFerry terminal or flight centre courtesy transfersDepartment of Conservation concession feesDonation to Mamaku Point Conservation Trust

This experience is suitable for guests with a moderate level of fitness who are comfortable walking on uneven natural terrain and spending extended periods outdoors.Participants should be able to:Walk unassisted for up to 3.5–4 hours during the Ulva Island Guided Nature WalkNavigate gravel walking tracks, forest paths and short beach sectionsStep on and off water taxis and vehicles without assistanceWalk for up to 2 hours in the dark during the kiwi spotting experienceManage uneven ground, gradients, sandy beaches and occasionally muddy or wet tracksFollow guide instructions in low-light conditionsPlease NoteThe kiwi spotting tour takes place after dark and involves walking on natural terrain with limited lighting.This experience is not suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations, visual impairments or hearing impairments.Children under 12 years are not permitted on the kiwi spotting tour.If you have mobility concerns, recent injuries or specific accessibility requirements, please contact us before booking to discuss suitability.This experience is best suited to active travellers, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who enjoy exploring New Zealand's natural environments on foot.

Cancellation & Refund

PaymentsDeposit: $150pp upon bookingBalance: 45 days before travelCancellationsMore than 30 days before departure: Full refund**Between 30 and 14 days: 50% refund**Less than 14 days/no shows: No refundNote: *Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.

Overview Itinerary FAQs Dates & Pricing Enquire now

3 Day Stewart Island Wildlife Discovery Experience

Oct-Apr

South Island

Ulva's Guided Walks

from

NZ$2425

per adult

Enquire Now

Walking track through native forest on Stewart Island, New Zealand.

Experiences

Hiking & Walking

Nature & Wildlife

Photography

Multi-Day Short Tours

South Island

Start: Stewart Island

Duration: 3 days

Difficulty: 2

Minimum Age: 12

Experience the Best of Stewart Island's Wildlife & Natural Beauty

Combining two of Stewart Island's most memorable wildlife experiences with comfortable accommodation and seamless transfers, this all-inclusive getaway is the perfect way to experience the island's remarkable natural environment.

Over two nights, you'll explore the predator-free sanctuary of Ulva Island with an expert local guide and venture into the protected Mamaku Point Conservation Reserve after dark in search of the elusive Stewart Island Brown Kiwi. Along the way, enjoy the relaxed pace, native wildlife and spectacular scenery that make Stewart Island one of New Zealand's most unique destinations.

Lounge area at Greenvale Bed & Breakfast overlooking Paterson Inlet on Stewart Island.

Stay at Greenvale Bed & Breakfast

Guests enjoy two nights at Greenvale Bed & Breakfast, a welcoming Stewart Island retreat overlooking Paterson Inlet. Comfortable accommodation, home-style hospitality and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal base for exploring Ulva Island and searching for kiwi after dark.

Visitor examining native forest plants during a guided walk on Stewart Island.

Mohua yellowhead native bird perched among green forest foliage.

Stewart Island brown kiwi walking along a forest track in native bush.

South Island saddleback bird perched in native forest on Stewart Island.

Local guide explaining Stewart Island's native forest and wildlife to visitors on a guided walking tour.

South Island Saddleback bird on Ulva Island in Southland, New Zealand

Bellbird Korimako perched on Ulva Island in Southland, New Zealand

Harbour view from a guest room at Greenvale Bed & Breakfast on Stewart Island.

Garden gazebo and native plantings at Greenvale Bed & Breakfast, Stewart Island.

Interior of Greenvale Bed & Breakfast accommodation on Stewart Island.

Coffee and homemade breakfast served at Greenvale Bed & Breakfast on Stewart Island.

Native Wildlife, Guided Experiences & Island Hospitality

This carefully curated experience showcases the very best of Stewart Island's wildlife, conservation and natural beauty. Walk through ancient podocarp forest on Ulva Island, learn about local conservation efforts and encounter native species in their natural habitat.

As evening falls, join a specialist guide and search for one of New Zealand's most iconic birds, the Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka), within the protected Mamaku Point Conservation Reserve. Combined with welcoming accommodation, local hospitality and included meals, this experience offers a stress-free way to enjoy the highlights of Stewart Island.

2 nights accommodation at Greenvale Bed & Breakfast
Daily breakfast
Lunch vouchers for a local café on both days
Ulva Island Guided Nature Walk
Return transfers to all activities
Stewart Island Kiwi Spotting Tour
Expert local nature guide
Ferry terminal or flight centre courtesy transfers
Department of Conservation concession fees
Donation to Mamaku Point Conservation Trust

This experience is suitable for guests with a moderate level of fitness who are comfortable walking on uneven natural terrain and spending extended periods outdoors.

Participants should be able to:

Walk unassisted for up to 3.5–4 hours during the Ulva Island Guided Nature Walk
Navigate gravel walking tracks, forest paths and short beach sections
Step on and off water taxis and vehicles without assistance
Walk for up to 2 hours in the dark during the kiwi spotting experience
Manage uneven ground, gradients, sandy beaches and occasionally muddy or wet tracks
Follow guide instructions in low-light conditions

Please Note

The kiwi spotting tour takes place after dark and involves walking on natural terrain with limited lighting.
This experience is not suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations, visual impairments or hearing impairments.
Children under 12 years are not permitted on the kiwi spotting tour.
If you have mobility concerns, recent injuries or specific accessibility requirements, please contact us before booking to discuss suitability.

This experience is best suited to active travellers, nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who enjoy exploring New Zealand's natural environments on foot.

Payments

Deposit: $150pp upon booking
Balance: 45 days before travel

Cancellations

More than 30 days before departure: Full refund**
Between 30 and 14 days: 50% refund**
Less than 14 days/no shows: No refund

Note: *Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Stewart Island & Evening Kiwi Spotting

Please note: This itinerary is indicative only and can be tailored to suit flight schedules, ferry timings and individual client requirements. If you require coach and ferry connections from/to Queenstown, Invercargill or Bluff, please leave a note in your booking.

Upon arrival in Stewart Island/Rakiura, make your way to your accommodation and enjoy some time to settle into New Zealand's southernmost community.

Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Oban's waterfront, visiting local cafés, or enjoying the island's relaxed atmosphere before your evening wildlife experience.

As darkness falls, join a guided kiwi spotting tour. Accompanied by an experienced local guide, venture into the island's natural habitat in search of the elusive Southern Brown Kiwi. Stewart Island is one of the best places in New Zealand to observe kiwi in the wild, offering a memorable opportunity to witness these iconic birds in their natural environment.

Day 2: Ulva Island Guided Walk

After breakfast, travel by water taxi to the predator-free sanctuary of Ulva Island.

Join a guided nature walk through one of New Zealand's most remarkable wildlife reserves. Your expert guide will introduce the island's unique flora and fauna while sharing insights into its conservation success story. Keep an eye out for native birdlife including weka, saddlebacks, robins and kākā as you explore pristine coastal forest and secluded beaches.

Following the guided walk, return to Stewart Island and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Optional activities may include additional walking trails, wildlife viewing, or simply relaxing and taking in the island scenery.

Day 3: Free Time & Departure

Enjoy a relaxed morning before departure.

Depending on your travel arrangements, there may be time for a final stroll along the waterfront, souvenir shopping, or further exploration of Oban and its surrounding walking tracks.

Transfer to the ferry terminal or airport for your onward journey.

Frequently asked questions

The walk is considered easy to moderate, following well-maintained gravel tracks through native forest. Guests should be comfortable walking for up to 3.5 hours and negotiating some steps and uneven ground.

Ulva Island is a predator-free sanctuary, allowing many rare native bird species to flourish. Birds are often unusually approachable, making it one of New Zealand’s best locations for wildlife viewing and photography.

The tour includes a return water taxi transfer from Golden Bay Wharf on Stewart Island. The crossing takes approximately 7 minutes each way.

Ulva Island is one of New Zealand’s best birdwatching destinations. Common sightings include Stewart Island Robin, South Island Saddleback, Kākā, Kākāriki, Weka, Yellowhead, Bellbird and Tūī.

Stewart Island is considered one of the best places in New Zealand to see kiwi in the wild. While sightings cannot be guaranteed, Mamaku Point provides excellent habitat for Stewart Island Brown Kiwi and offers a strong chance of an encounter.

Departure Dates

October to April only

Pricing

Cost per person

Oct 2026 - Apr 2027

Twin-share: NZ$2,425
Single supplement: NZ$2,000

Oct 2027 - Apr 2028

Twin-share: NZ$2,550
Single supplement: NZ$2,075

Prices are correct at the time of publishing but are subject to change without prior notice.

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