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
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
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.
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
91 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Must do tour on Stewart Island
Tapley58,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exceptionally good tour with a passionate tour guide. Jan, our guide, was the best guide you could ask for. Highly knowledgeable and so easy to get along with. We spent most of our time in the forest as we were blessed with multiple bird sighting and they just kept turning up to see us! The weather was perfect, sunny and very comfortable to walk. We met a Sealion on the beach that was was the icing to end our tour. As I have said, Jan made this an amazing adventure. I understand RealNZ wants to cut the time for the tour back, please don't. Two and half hours is perfect.
10/10, would absolutely recommend
Angela105bu,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was all in all fabulous! Weather was awesome which helped. Passionate tourguide with lots of knowledge, saw plenty of birds, would absolutely recommend
Really good experience!
Tour51089950123,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful time exploring Ulva Island with our guide. Got to see several native birds, including kaka, kereru, saddleback and others. Really recommend it!
Amazing experience
JulieR4865,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely recommend this tour. Natasha, our guide, was knowledgeable, passionate and her whole every and enthusiasm was infectious. If I could rate more than 5 stars I would!
Great for bird lovers .
163margeryj,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Excellent tour. Friendly and knowledgeable guides, beautiful bird walk through the forest.
Ulva Island Special
brentally,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic trip. A must do and thoroughly enjoyable. Well looked after. Natasha was our guide and extremely knowledgeable. And a keen ear for birdsong. We got to see nearly all the big ticket items, cheeky Robins, Kaka, Kakariki, Weka, Tieke and Mohua. Just the Kiwi kept themselves hidden. Also RealNZ were very flexible and easy to deal with, as our first attempt was cancelled due to poor weather. Easily re-booked for the next day at The Red Barn. Service was fantastic
Loved it!!!
Kerri P,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fabulous experience. Everything so well organized. All we had to do was turn up. All the Real NZ people were fantastic from the trip on the boat to the walk itself. Heavy rain the night before had us a bit concerned but we had no reason to be. Our guide Jan was just brilliant. We saw a saddleback and sea lion amongst other amazing wildlife. We learnt so much. Highly recommend.
For a quality Ulva Island experience choose a different provider
S Craig D,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The trip felt rushed, spent too much time going to the island and not enough time on the island itself. In 2023 we took a similar tour from another tour company and had a great experience with nearly a half day which gave us lots of time to see more bird life and with a smaller group. Tour group was too large, could not hear the tour guides if you were not next to them. The guides know their stuff, and are friendly, but just too big a group with too little time. If you want a quality experience on Ulva I would shop around and choose a different provider. I will not recommend this to friends or family. And frankly this is the most disappointing trip I have had with RealNZ excursions. Others have been very good
Beautiful peaceful Island
annesK7134PA,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great launch trip to ulva island, with inlighting commentary. Guide had great knowledge. Lovely bush Enjoyed the bird life. Saw a south Island Robin up close.
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.
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Operated by RealNZ