Stewart Island: Ulva Island Guided Wilderness Walk & Cruise

Situated at the southern tip of New Zealand, Stewart Island beckons adventurers with its untamed landscapes and rich natural heritage. The Ulva Island Guided Wilderness Walk & Cruise offers a captivating glimpse into this remarkable destination. Cruising through the serene Paterson Inlet, visitors can spot seals, penguins, and an array of rare birds. The guided walk that follows unveils the island’s diverse flora and fauna, alongside its intriguing Maori and European history. With an emphasis on conservation, this immersive experience promises to leave a lasting impression on nature enthusiasts. What secrets does Ulva Island hold, waiting to be uncovered?

Contents hide

1 Activity Overview

2 Experience Highlights

3 Detailed Description

4 Meeting Point & What to Bring

5 Customer Reviews

6 Cruise Into Paterson Inlet

7 Guided Walk on Ulva Island

8 Native Wildlife & Nature Sights

Key Points

This 2.5-hour adventure offers a scenic cruise through Paterson Inlet and a guided nature walk on the protected Ulva Island wildlife sanctuary.
The guided walk showcases diverse native flora and fauna, including iconic species like weka, bush robins, saddlebacks, and yellowheads.
Participants can learn about the island’s Maori and European history, as well as efforts to preserve the ecological richness of Ulva Island.
The cruise features hidden coves and unspoiled beaches, with opportunities to spot seals, penguins, and sea birds.
The experience is highly rated for its value, with knowledgeable guides, immersive nature encounters, and stunning coastal scenery.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

The Stewart Island: Ulva Island Guided Wilderness Walk & Cruise offers an immersive 2.5-hour adventure into the natural wonders of New Zealand’s southernmost region, with a cruise along Paterson Inlet and a guided walk through the renowned Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary.

Priced at just $64.70 per person, this activity allows visitors to discover the island’s diverse flora and fauna with the help of knowledgeable guides. Guests can look forward to spotting native wildlife like seals, penguins, and a variety of rare bird species.

What’s more, the tour includes captivating stories about the island’s Maori history and early European settlement.

With free cancellation and the option to reserve now and pay later, this experience is a must-do for nature enthusiasts visiting Stewart Island.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Stewart Island.

Experience Highlights

Guests can expect to enjoy a cruise into the stunning Paterson Inlet, providing breathtaking views of hidden coves and unspoiled beaches as they make their way to the renowned Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary.

Once they disembark, they’ll embark on a 1.5-hour guided walk led by knowledgeable nature guides. Ulva Island is home to a wealth of native flora and fauna, including the weka, bush robins, rare saddlebacks, and yellowheads.

Visitors will have the chance to spot these protected species and learn about the island’s rich Maori history and European settlement.

After the guided walk, guests can relax on the return cruise, taking in the serene coastal scenery.

Detailed Description

Embarking on the cruise, guests will enjoy the stunning scenery of Paterson Inlet, with its hidden coves and unspoiled beaches.

After disembarking, a 1.5-hour guided walk led by specialist nature guides awaits. Ulva Island is home to a diverse array of native wildlife:

Weka, bush robins, and rare saddlebacks roam the lush forest floor.
Yellowheads flit between the trees, their vibrant plumage catching the eye.
Protected plant species thrive in the sanctuary, showcasing the island’s ecological richness.
The guided tour provides fascinating insights into the island’s early Maori and European history.

Relaxing on the return cruise, guests can bask in the coastal splendor of Stewart Island.

Meeting Point & What to Bring

After the leisurely cruise, you will meet at the Stewart Island Visitor Terminal on the Main Wharf in Halfmoon Bay to begin their guided walk. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, visitors are advised to bring the following:

Item	Recommendation
Insect repellent	Helpful for keeping bugs at bay
Weather-appropriate clothing	Prepare for changeable island weather
Sun protection	Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
Waterproof jacket and warm layers	Stay dry and warm on the walk

Arriving 20 minutes prior to departure allows time for check-in and getting ready for the upcoming adventure. With the proper gear and a bit of advance planning, participants can fully enjoy the natural wonders of Ulva Island.

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Customer Reviews

Reviewers overwhelmingly praise this guided wilderness walk and cruise, with an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star overall rating based on over 110 customer assessments.

Customers highlight the expertise of the knowledgeable guides, the friendliness of the crew, and the educational nature of the experience.

Notable sightings during the tour include rare native birds like saddlebacks and Stewart Island robins, as well as sea lions.

Visitors appreciate the excellent value for money, with many describing the tour as a must-do activity during their time on Stewart Island.

The guided walk and cruise provide an immersive and unforgettable glimpse into the island’s pristine natural wonders.

Rare bird sightings like saddlebacks and Stewart Island robins
Friendly and knowledgeable tour guides
Excellent value for money
Breathtaking coastal scenery and unspoiled landscapes

Cruise Into Paterson Inlet

The cruise into Paterson Inlet offers visitors a chance to marvel at the stunning coastal scenery, with hidden coves and unspoiled beaches lining the shores. As the boat glides through the calm waters, guests can take in the breathtaking vistas and keep an eye out for any wildlife that may appear, such as seals, penguins, or sea birds. The tour guides provide fascinating insights into the history and ecology of the region, sharing stories of the area’s early Maori and European settlement. This serene and picturesque cruise sets the stage for the guided walk through the Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary, where visitors can discover the island’s unique flora and fauna.

Cruise Features	Description
Duration	1 hour
Scenery	Coastal coves, unspoiled beaches
Wildlife Sightings	Seals, penguins, sea birds

Guided Walk on Ulva Island

Following a scenic cruise through Paterson Inlet, the guided nature walk on Ulva Island immerses visitors in the island’s diverse ecosystems and rich wildlife.

Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, explorers traverse lush rainforests, serene beaches, and open grasslands, keeping an eye out for native species like:

Weka, a flightless bird endemic to New Zealand
Playful bush robins hopping across the forest floor
Vibrant saddlebacks, a threatened songbird making a comeback
Elusive yellowheads, their bright plumage a striking sight

Throughout the 1.5-hour walk, the guides share insights into Ulva Island’s unique ecology and the efforts to preserve its fragile habitats, fostering a deeper appreciation for this protected wildlife sanctuary.

Native Wildlife & Nature Sights

As visitors explore the serene Ulva Island, they’re immersed in a world teeming with captivating native wildlife and breathtaking natural sights.

From the iconic weka bird foraging in the lush rainforest undergrowth to the vibrant saddlebacks and elusive yellowheads perching in the canopy, the guided nature walk offers unparalleled opportunities to witness New Zealand’s unique species up close.

Seals bask on the rocky shores, while penguins dart in and out of the crystal-clear waters.

Guides share fascinating insights into the island’s rich history and conservation efforts, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for this ecological haven.

With every step, the senses are heightened, and a profound connection with the natural world is forged.