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Stewart Island Ulva Island Explorer

REJ037
For 1 person
2.5 hours
Instant book

Stewart Island Ulva Island Explorer

For 1 person
2.5 hours
Instant book
REJ037

Highlights

  • Leisurely cruise on a modern, comfortable catamaran
  • Discover Stewart Island's hidden coves and unspoiled beaches
  • Expert nature guide sharing stories, history, and wildlife insights
  • Guided 1.5?hour walk through predator?free native bush and beaches
  • See rare native birds like weka, bush robins, saddlebacks & yellowheads
  • Small group experience for an intimate, immersive encounter
  • Learn bird calls & forest ecology from your knowledgeable guide
  • Perfect for all ages

Cruise from Stewart Island to Ulva Island for a guided nature walk through pristine native forest. Learn about local history and wildlife, and look for rare birds like saddlebacks, yellowheads and weka. Enjoy a small?group, immersive wildlife experience in this remarkable sanctuary.

What's Included?

  • Return scenic cruise across Paterson Inlet to Ulva Island
  • Guided 1.5-hour walk through predator-free native bush and beaches
  • Expert commentary from our knowledgeable guides

Discover the wild beauty of Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary renowned for its thriving birdlife and pristine native forest. Your experience begins with a scenic cruise across Paterson Inlet, where your nature guide shares stories about the island’s landmarks, history, and the incredible conservation efforts that have helped restore this unique ecosystem. Upon arriving at Ulva Island, set off on a guided 1.5-hour walk through lush podocarp forest and along sandy beaches. With no predators and minimal human impact, the island is alive with bird calls and close wildlife encounters. Keep watch for weka (native woodhen), bush robins, rare saddlebacks, yellowheads, and other species that are seldom seen on the New Zealand mainland. Your guide will help you spot wildlife, interpret bird songs, and understand the ecological significance of this special place.

After exploring Ulva Island, enjoy a return cruise around Stewart Island’s sheltered coastline, with commentary highlighting significant locations and local stories. The small-group setting ensures a relaxed, intimate experience with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and connect with the environment. Picnic lunches can be pre-ordered for added convenience. With rich wildlife, fascinating history, and breathtaking natural landscapes, the Ulva Island Explorer is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Stewart Island’s remarkable wilderness.

Session Length

  • Does not operate on Christmas Day
  • Departs 12pm in winter, 12.45pm in summer
  • Please allow 2.5 hours for this experience

Guidelines

  • Please note "The 'Ulva Island Explorer' does include a beach landing, where there is potential to get your feet wet and steady footing is required to disembark the vessel.
  • The tracks are well-formed and suitable for most ages and fitness levels and small group sizes make it highly personalised.
  • Please check in 20 minutes before departure

Cancellation

  • Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience
  • Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience
  • Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience

Weather

In the event of rain or inclement weather your experience will still go ahead unless contacted by the experience provider. If your experience is cancelled you will be rescheduled by the provider.

Dress Code

Comfortable shoes, waterproof jacket, warm clothing and insect repellent.

Other Info

RealNZ is going cashless on all food and beverage purchases in experience. This means that all food and beverage purchases aboard our vessels in Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown, and Te Anau, as well as at Walter Peak and the Manapouri Café, will no longer accept cash. A cashless system will provide a smoother, more efficient experience for both our guests and staff. Our payment terminals accept all major credit cards and debit cards, including AMEX, WeChat Pay, AliPay and Union Pay, as well as contactless payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Note: Fee of 1.5% applies to food and beverage purchases by credit card only. The fee does not apply to purchases in Retail Store at Walter Peak, or merchandise purchased from our Visitor Centres.

This experience takes place on Stewart Island.

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