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South Island

Start: Golden Bay Wharf, Stewart Island
Location: Stewart Island
Duration: up to 4 hours
Difficulty: 2

Explore One of New Zealand's Most Remarkable Wildlife Sanctuaries

Just a short water taxi ride from Stewart Island lies Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary renowned for its thriving native wildlife, ancient forest and extraordinary conservation success. This guided nature walk offers a deeper and more immersive experience than simply visiting the island on your own.

Accompanied by an expert local guide, you'll follow well-maintained forest trails while learning about the island's unique ecosystem, conservation history and the remarkable efforts that keep Ulva Island free from introduced predators. Every walk is different, with wildlife encounters and seasonal changes creating new discoveries throughout the year.

Native Wildlife, Ancient Forest & Conservation Stories

Ulva Island offers a rare opportunity to experience New Zealand's natural environment much as it existed before introduced predators arrived. Towering rimu, southern rātā, tōtara, miro and kāmahi create a lush forest habitat filled with birdsong and native wildlife.

Along the way, your guide will help you spot some of the island's most iconic species while sharing fascinating stories about the plants, wildlife and ongoing conservation programmes that protect this special place. Whether you're interested in nature, photography, wildlife or simply spending time in a beautiful environment, this guided walk provides a richer understanding of Ulva Island and its importance to New Zealand conservation.

  • Return water taxi between Stewart Island and Ulva Island
  • Specialist natural history guide
  • Department of Conservation concession fees
  • Local wildlife and conservation commentary
  • Small group guided experience
  • Guided walk through predator-free Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary
  • Expert local natural history guide
  • Return water taxi from Stewart Island included
  • Excellent birdwatching opportunities
  • Spot rare and endangered native bird species
  • Explore ancient podocarp forest
  • Learn about conservation and wildlife restoration
  • Small group experience
  • Ideal for birdwatchers, photographers and nature lovers

This walk is suitable for guests who:

  • Are physically agile and able to walk unassisted
  • Can manage steps between the wharf and water taxi
  • Are comfortable walking on gravel tracks and beaches
  • Can walk for approximately 3.5 hours

Private departures may be suitable for families with younger children or guests requiring a more flexible pace. Please enquire.

  • Adult: 14+ years
  • Child: 5 – 13 years
  • 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 & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.

Frequently asked questions

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, binoculars, water and light snacks are recommended.

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.

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