Stewart Island: Ulva Island Guided Wilderness Walk & Cruise
About This Experience
Discover Stewart Island from the water with a cruise into the beautiful Paterson Inlet and enjoy a guided walk in Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Admire Paterson …
Who It Suits and What to Know
RealNZ’s Ulva Island trip cruises Paterson Inlet by catamaran and lands at Ulva Island, the predator-free bird sanctuary, for a guided walk of about an hour and a half through forest and along beaches. 2.5 hours in all, rated 4.6 from 185 reviews.
Who it suits: anyone on Stewart Island for a morning or an afternoon, birders new to New Zealand’s forest birds, and day visitors between ferries. Who should look elsewhere: keen birders who want longer on the island; the local guides run walks of 3.5 hours and more.
What to know before you book:
- Getting there. It starts in Oban, so you must already be on Stewart Island; the ferry from Bluff is separate.
- The birds. Weka, robins, saddlebacks and yellowheads live on the island; seals, penguins and seabirds are often seen from the boat. A kiwi by day is a rare bonus.
- Check-in. Arrive 20 minutes before departure.
- Bring. Non-slip shoes, a waterproof jacket, a warm layer, sunscreen and insect repellent.
The price is from US$101 a person (checked October 2026), with free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Ulva Island tours covers the island and its rules.
Highlights
- Admire Paterson Inlet’s stunning scenery on a comfortable catamaran cruise
- Enjoy a forest and beach walk in the renowned Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary
- Discover the region's flora and fauna from your knowledgeable nature guide
- Look out for native wildlife including seals, penguins, sea birds, and more
- Listen to fascinating stories of early Maori history and European settlement
What's Included
- ✓ Cruise of Paterson Inlet
- ✓ Guided walk of Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary
- ✓ Specialist nature guide
Good to Know
- This tour departs from Oban, Stewart Island therefore you will need to have travelled to Stewart island to join this experience. Ferries are available, departing from Bluff on the mainland to Oban, Stewart Island.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and your camera
- Please ensure you arrive 20-minutes prior to departure to check-in
- Wear weather appropriate clothing, non-slip shoes or boots and bring a waterproof jacket plus a warm sweater or fleece jacket
