Free cancellation: Get a full refund of ticket price up to 48 hours in advance

4.9 / 5 (88)

Stewart Island - Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary Water-Taxi

Ulva Island, situated in the waters of Stewart Island/Rakiura, stands as an iconic and stunning sanctuary for birds, free from pests. Its longstanding protected status offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in an untouched rainforest, observing rare birds and plants up close.

From: NZ$17.50

Per Person

5 Mins

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation.

Highlights

Discover rare and endemic bird life!
Pristine Forests
Golden Beaches
Incredibly well marked and made tracks
An Island Paradise

Full Description

Ulva Island, situated in the waters of Stewart Island/Rakiura, stands as an iconic and stunning sanctuary for birds, free from pests. Its longstanding protected status offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in an untouched rainforest, observing rare birds and plants up close. This natural haven encapsulates the essence of New Zealand's original bush, possibly representing what it could become with enhanced predator control initiatives. Vibrant with sounds, activity, a spectrum of colours, and diverse life, it's a vivid testament to nature's richness!

The island was initially safeguarded as a reserve for the 'Preservation of ...

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Meeting Point

Departures are from Golden Bay Wharf on Stewart Island. We operate within and around Stewart Island waters.

Additional Information

Please bring adequate footwear and clothing.

Cancellation policy

Full refund if cancelled up to 48 hours before activity starts.

Good weather is required for this experience. If we need to cancel due to poor weather, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

There is a minimum number of travellers for this experience. If the minimum isn't met and we need to cancel, we will offer a different date/experience or a full refund.

Terms

Rakiura Adventure Ltd. reserves the right to change your departure and return times if the weather condititions or other factors are of concern to the skipper operating the vessel.

From

NZ$17.50

Per Person

5 Mins

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation.

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57 Golden Bay Rd, Stewart Island, Oban, New Zealand, 9818

Water-Taxi → Golden Bay TO Ulva Island

duration: 5 minutes
cancellation_summary: 48 Hours
meeting_point: Golden Bay Wharf (15 minutes walk from Oban Township)
max_age: 100
group_size: 9
accessibility: Non-Wheel Chair Accessible
description: A quick watertaxi from Golden Bay to Ulva Island to explore the crown jewel of the Rakiura National Park - this is a Bird Sanctuary Island with endemic spe...Show More

duration: 5 minutes
cancellation_summary: 48 Hours
meeting_point: Golden Bay Wharf (15 minutes walk from Oban Township)
max_age: 100
group_size: 9
accessibility: Non-Wheel Chair Accessible
description: A quick watertaxi from Golden Bay to Ulva Island to explore the crown jewel of the Rakiura National Park - this is a Bird Sanctuary Island with endemic species and pristine forests protected from invasive pests.
what_is_included: A small introductory talk is given when arriving at Ulva Island to help orient you and give you an estimate of how long it takes to walk the tracks and things to watch out for.
what_is_not_included: One cannot buy provisions on Ulva Island, please bring your own food and drink and adequate clothing.
check_in_details: Please arrive 10 minutes prior to departure at Golden Bay Wharf. If you are walking from the main townshipm, you need to go over the hill past the Police Station to get here, depending on your fitness it may take 10-20 minutes by foot or 5 minutes in a car.
what_to_bring: Please bring adequate footwear and clothing, and your own food and drink.
special_requirements: Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please do not feed the wildlife, and take your rubbish back with you.
restrictions: This boat ride is not suitable for people restricted to wheelchairs, nor for people with severe back injuries, as weather can change and make the boat ride bumpy. If you are in a wheelchair but able to make a short walk of 20-50 metres to be able to get on and off the boats via the wharves, then we can facilitate the transport. Ulva Island is still a beautiful place to sit and enjoy the bird song and views so we encourage visitation.
disclaimers: Rakiura Adventure Ltd. reserves the right to change your departure and return times if the weather condititions or other factors are of concern to the skipper operating the vessel.

Duration: 5 Mins

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Water-Taxi ← FROM Ulva Island to Golden Bay

duration: 5 minutes
cancellation_summary: 48 Hours
meeting_point: POST OFFICE BAY - ULVA ISLAND
max_age: 100
group_size: 9
accessibility: Non-Wheel Chair Accessible
description: This Watertaxi will bring you back from Ulva Island to Golden Bay Wharf.
what_is_included: A quick and timely ride from Ulva Island back to Golden Bay Wharf.
check_...Show More

Duration: 5 Mins

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You will receive your ticket by email straight away. The activity provider will contact you if there are availability issues so you can arrange a different time or day, or receive a full refund.
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You can cancel for free up to 48 hours before the day of the experience, local time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Ulva Island?

Our dedicated water-taxi service operates from within Stewart Island waters. We do not operate from Bluff. We offer frequent departures and returns from Golden Bay Wharf – this is approximately 15min walk from the village/Oban/Halfmoon Bay. Limited departures and returns can also be made from Halfmoon Bay Wharf (located directly in the village/Oban) This can be booked online, or, call us if you need specialized times or additional help. +64272898292

How long is the boat ride to/from Ulva Island?

If departing or returning to Golden Bay Wharf the transfer only takes 5 minutes each way.

How long do I need to explore Ulva Island?

We recommend 2-4 hours on Ulva Island. If you are an avid birder, we would recommend a minimum of 4 hours. If you are unsure how long you wish to spend on the Island, we offer you our skipper’s direct number to organize flexible times.

Do I need a guide?

Ulva Island is a great place to go at your own pace, stop where you wish, and soak in the scenery. Provided on Ulva are also self-guiding booklets for $2 each with information about the birds, forest, history, and a map. If you would like a guide, we can help organize this for you. We are local booking agents for a variety of guiding companies.

What are the tracks like?

Ulva Island tracks are very well marked and mostly graveled. We recommend sturdy footwear and clothing for all four seasons. Please note there are no cafes on Ulva Island, please bring your own food and drink.

Do I need to book water-taxi in advance?

It is recommended to book in advance. We can help you find the ideal time if you are unsure.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If we deem the weather conditions, or forecast to be dangerous, we will cancel the booking, and you will receive a full refund. Please note, Stewart Island and its surrounding Islands can receive a lot of rain and wind at times – be sure to bring clothing for all conditions. We can provide up to date forecasts to help you make informed decisions.

What’s special about Ulva Island?

Ulva Island, situated in the waters of Stewart Island/Rakiura, stands as an iconic and stunning sanctuary for birds, free from pests. Vibrant with sounds, activity, a spectrum of colors, and diverse life, it's a vivid testament to nature's richness!

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