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Stewart Island: Ulva Island Guided Wilderness Walk & Cruise

4.6369863 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.6369863 out of 5 stars
146 reviews
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Stewart Island: Ulva Island Guided Wilderness Walk & Cruise
4.6369863 out of 5 stars
4.6
4.6369863 out of 5 stars
146 reviews

Embark on a leisurely, informative cruise from Stewart Island including stunning views of Paterson Inlet, unspoiled beaches, hidden coves, and a guided forest walk of Ulva Island's renowned bird sanctuary.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 2.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

N
Nigel – New Zealand

An excellent outing that was made so much better by our guide Jan. She really knows her stuff and her energy and enthusiasm for showing off this beautiful Island was apparent. Would have been nice to see more bird life but we were still well pleased with what we observed.

K
Kirsty – New Zealand

Definitely worth it. The Island and bird life, so beautiful. The staff were all so friendly. Karen our guide on Ulva Island was so knowledgeable/friendly/great sense of humour, she made our trip.

Select participants and date

Participants

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

Full description

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 Inlet’s stunning scenery from hidden coves to unspoilt beaches. Hear fascinating stories of early Maori history and European settlement as you pass various landmarks. While on board, keep a lookout for fur seals, penguins and other wildlife, as sightings are common. Paterson Inlet is home to renowned wildlife sanctuary Ulva Island. Disembark here for an approximately 1.5 hour guided walk with our passionate specialist nature guides, providing engaging commentary and are more than happy to answer questions.  The island is home to weka, bush robins, rare saddlebacks and yellowheads amongst other species. It is also a protected habitat for some of New Zealand’s rarest plant species. Relax for the remainder of the cruise around Paterson Inlet and enjoy the coastal scenery before heading back to the wharf.

Includes

  • Cruise of Paterson Inlet
  • Guided walk of Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Specialist nature guide

Meeting point

Stewart Island Visitor Terminal, Main Wharf, Halfmoon Bay.

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Insect repellent
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Know before you go

  • 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

From NZ$139 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 146 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.7/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5

Customer photos

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N
Nigel – New ZealandApril 22, 2025 – Verified booking
An excellent outing that was made so much better by our guide Jan. She really knows her stuff and her energy and enthusiasm for showing off this beautiful Island was apparent. Would have been nice to see more bird life but we were still well pleased with what we observed.
K
Kirsty – New ZealandApril 8, 2025 – Verified booking
Definitely worth it. The Island and bird life, so beautiful. The staff were all so friendly. Karen our guide on Ulva Island was so knowledgeable/friendly/great sense of humour, she made our trip.
G
Graeme – AustraliaMarch 18, 2025 – Verified booking
The entire activity was great and our guide, Natasha, was excellent. We saw many birds close up including one endangered type. Highly recommended.

Product ID: 185015

Activity provider:RealNZ
  • New Zealand
  • South Island
  • Paterson Inlet

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