Ulva Island Explorer from Stewart Island

Overview

Available languages

English

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‘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

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.

Reviews

4.73

71 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Don’t miss this tour birds plants and scenery is stunning,
DayTrip28570175073,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amalie’s and Natasha took us across to Ulva and both were incredibly professional and knowledgeable. On the island component we were confronted with a large male seal and Analiese chose to do a detour rather than take any risk. We saw and heard so many birds and plants and received so much information the time just flew …. Plus it was just an absolutely stunning day weather wise
Fantastic guides but information on the website does not match reality
victoriaaY4745NE,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
Our guide was the best guide I have ever had, knowledgeable and an incredibly dedicated person. This made the whole experience. However, the website and information should be updated, it is misleading and does not correspond to reality.
Fabulous staff and bird life
Venture34703366597,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fabulous staff, both friendly and knowledgeable who were obviously loving their environment. This made the day an absolute pleasure. Great bird life and lovely walk.
Cancelled due to not enough staffing
GrandTour35540218476,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
They cancelled the day before because of lack of staffing. They did help us set up with a different company (who also cancelled just before we got in the boat due to high winds). And refunded us promptly.
Beautiful NZ Forest
FreeasabirdPK,
Aug 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I'd love to go there every day. It was just so beautiful, and the native birdlife was abundant. First time seeing a little robin and he just stole my heart. So unafraid and curious hopping all around our feet. Our guide Sarah was wonderful, full of knowledge about the flora, fauna & history of the area. I so want her job!
Must do
leefhema,
Apr 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Really enjoyed our trip to Ulva Island. Our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about her job. I highly recommend this trip.
Highly recommend
Fearless40167926144,
Apr 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Really enjoyed our trip to Ulva Island. The crew onboard "Tina" were informative and helpful. I would highly recommend this trip. Nga mihi.
Great trip
L5308GJjoang,
Mar 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide was awesome making the experience one we will always remember. The bird life was exceptional and so well explained by Karen.
Go to Olva island but not on this trip.
philip O,
Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00
I was really looking forward to this trip. However, I was sadly disappointed. I was concerned that there were a number of people with varying disabilities that they found difficulty catering for. This is definitely a trip for people who are able bodied. The trip started along the coast, but the sound system was so bad that most people couldn't understand everything being said. Then we arrived on the island and had about 90 minutes on the island. To say that our progress was slow was an understatement as I watched the snails overtaking us. Our guide was the same that gave the unintelligable talk on the boat. She was obviously enthusiastic about the bird life because she said it was awesome about 500 times. If you want to see Olva island, this is not the trip to take, much easier to get a water taxi and sort out timings with them. The island is well worth a visit.
A wonderful trip on a beautiful day
judwil61,
Apr 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I can't speak highly enough of the crew who took us over and our outstanding guide Natasha. She clearly loves the fauna and flora of the island and shared her knowledge and passion with us.