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
74 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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
Great guided walk
annapJ4475ME,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great guided nature walk on the Ulva island, Annalise was a passionate and knowledgable guide and we were able to see many wonderful birds with her.
NAY BIRDIE'S
toddytom,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Went went on the real journeys trip to Ulva Is recently. The staff were very attentive and helpful and fully aware of the needs of the elderly amongst us. Our guide was interactive with the group which helped to make people more relaxed. Our only issue was the lack of wildlife and the whole idea was to see wildlife. We later learnt that DOC had recently done a poison drop re rats and it had obviously nailed a lot of bird life in the process such as Weka etc Really think that if promoting such a trip that operators should be aware of this fact as many who go on these trips we're expecting to see birdie's. There were NAY BIRDIE'S!
Don’t miss this tour birds plants and scenery is stunning,
DayTrip28570175073,,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amalie’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
3.00Our 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
5.00Fabulous 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
2.00They 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
5.00I'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
5.00Really enjoyed our trip to Ulva Island. Our guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about her job. I highly recommend this trip.
From NZ$145.00
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