Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Take a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet and a 45-minute walking tour in the bird sanctuary of Ulva Island. Your 2.5-hour itinerary departs from Stewart Island and includes a visit to the historic whaler’s base at Prices Inlet and the hidden coves and unspoiled beaches of Paterson Inlet. Your guide provides informative commentary during the scenic cruise. While on board, keep a lookout for New Zealand fur seals and penguins.
Please be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to check in.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Discover Stewart Island from the water on a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet and a guided walk in Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary where you will learn about the landscape and history of the island
What‘s Included
Cruise and island tour
Local guide
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Picnic lunch (must contact operator directly after booking to purchase)
Live commentary on board
Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
Ulva Island Explorer
Ulva Island Explorer : A leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet and a guided walk in the renowned bird sanctuary of Ulva Island.
Reviews
82 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Boat tour Ulva Island
Michelle S,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat is average not great but the tour on the island was amazing Well worth while taking the ride in the boat with.a very experienced driver.
We were taken on a lovely...
Rosemary S,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were taken on a lovely guided walk on the island. Bevan was an excellent guide and very knowledgeable with regards to the flora and fauna. Unfortunately there were not many birds around- but that’s wildlife for you!
Interesting tour particularly if you are a twitcher.
Oscardog16,,Jan 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The boat tour was only 20 minutes and despite bad whether it was relatively calm. The small boat does have a toilet if required. We saw Albatrosses soaring around the boat and floating close by hoping for a feed. The walk around the island was easy and we saw a few native species pointed out by our knowledgeable guide. We recommend this tour.
Top attraction, but more time needed for visits.
774Harryv,,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00It is a fantastic island, visit very short and the walk across the island even shorter. While the guides Natasja and her crew did an excellent job.
Great nature experience
frankvE7096UJ,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was great. We got to see a bunch of animals and even saw two sealions on the beach. Amazing to see the nature here. Very much recommended.
An epic Stewart Island Experience!
Trail51095346227,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Ulva Island Explorer was fantastic. Our guide Charles, was incredibly knowledgeable and clearly so passionate about the natural world. His insights into the native birdlife and ecosystems made the walk feel like a special privilege. The sights and sounds of Ulva Island were stunning, and Charles helped us see and understand so much more than we ever expected. Both tours were well organised, relaxed yet informative, and truly showcased the best of Stewart Island. We couldn’t recommend these experiences highly enough. Five stars all the way!
Awesome experience
Bronwyn C,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome place, gentle walk and lots of birds to see. Our guide Sarah was fantastic at pointing out the various plants and birds
Great half day out
Ciaobella77,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice half day trip out with Jan/Jen. We saw some rare birds on this trip. Jan was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Apparently there are Kiwis as well on the island but they are more on the Boulder beach area that we didn't visit.
Ulva Island
GoPlaces59884343332,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic loved our experience loved that we had a female Sarah driving us on the boat. She's very knowledgeable. Thanks
Learnt a lot on the birds trees and fauna and flora
534bernien,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very good informative trip staff great fun and friendly boat trip was very interesting learning about the history of the island
From NZ$145.00
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