Although it is only a short, 10-minute ride across the Paterson Inlet from Stewart Island to Ulva Island, this predator-free reserve, in many ways it feels as though it were worlds away.
Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary is a unique predator-free environment, with easy walking tracks and time to enjoy an insight into this temperate rain forest. The guides are experienced natural history and birding specialists; they bring their love of this special island to ensure a memorable experience. Discover New Zealand’s rare and endangered birds and plants at close quarters and take away the knowledge that you have glimpsed a part of a unique and primeval world. Meet at Golden Bay Wharf for the 8 min water taxi ride to Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary.
Enjoy a 3.5 hour guided walk with excellent commentary in the primeval rainforest where rare and threatened birds and plants make their home.
A popular destination for bird watchers, the island is home to the brown kiwi, rifleman, yellow-crowned and red-fronted parakeet, as well as the South Island kaka, among others. It is also a popular breeding ground for the endangered yellow-eyed penguin.
This tour includes Department of Conservation fee and guided walk.
Meet at Golden Bay Wharf for water taxi transfer to Ulva Island (included)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Price: from {CONVERT 71} per person
Departures: daily
No two explorers are the same, so you have the freedom to craft your experience exactly how you want.
Trip Ideas
-
North Island Tour
New Zealand EscortedDiscover the best of the North Island with fellow adventurers.
From £2697 Excluding Flights
-
Best of the South Island
New Zealand EscortedExperience the highlights of the South Island with fellow travellers.
From £4348 Excluding Flights
-
New Zealand Highlights
New Zealand EscortedExperience the best of New Zealand on this escorted group tour.
From £4604 Excluding Flights
-
New Zealand Uncut Hiking Adventure
New Zealand EscortedExplore diverse landscapes from north to south islands of New Zealand on this 15 day ultimate hiking adventure.
From £6668 Excluding Flights
-
South Island Solo Travellers Tour
New Zealand EscortedSpecially designed for solo travellers, share this comprehensive exploration of the South Island with fellow-adventurers.
From £3395 Excluding Flights
-
Hike and Drive New Zealand
New Zealand Self DriveExplore with your own 4x4 and hike some of New Zealand's best backcountry trails.
From £4312
-
Discover Aotearoa
New Zealand Self DriveThe ultimate self drive covering a lot of ground but with plenty of time to relax too.
From £3490 Excluding Flights
-
New Zealand by Rail, Cruise and Coach
New Zealand Escorted RailExperience spectacular rail journeys and boat cruises on this escorted group tour.
From £5651 Excluding Flights
-
New Zealand by Motorhome
New Zealand Self DriveThis motorhome itinerary offers you a wonderfully independent self-drive holiday.
From £1851 Excluding Flights
-
Spectacular North and South
New Zealand Self DriveExplore New Zealand in depth on this well-paced self-drive allowing you to immerse yourself in the country's plentiful wonders.
From £3673
Blogs
-
Iconic Experiences of New Zealand: Travel Specialist Insights
Iconic moments come thick and fast in New Zealand. This was certainly the experience of Travel Specialist, Trudy’s, recent trip. As one icon followed another, she recalls her highlights...
-
15 Amazing Viewing Platforms
Who doesn't love a view? We’ve picked out a selection of viewing platforms and observation decks around our world that have caught our eye…
-
New Zealand: North Island vs South Island
Wherever you go in New Zealand, you’ll find spectacular scenery, a friendly welcome and plenty of activities, but this guide will help you discover the differences between the two main islands.
-
Natural Nights Out in New Zealand – Spotlight on Atatu PurePod
Add a glamourous 'night in nature' into your tailor made New Zealand holiday - find out what Head of Product, Liz, made of a night in Atatu Purepod in the Greta Valley, north of Christchurch on South Island.
-
New Zealand Tailored to Perfection: A Client Perspective
Our Travel Specialists are experts in creating tailor made holidays fitting in with your key interests, must-see places, special occasions, family commitments and specific time frames. That’s exactly the kind of personalised service Sue Sparks enjoyed on her recent trip to New Zealand…
-
8 Whale Watching Hotspots Around the World
Become a dedicated follower of flukes with our guide to the world's best places to spot cetaceans.
-
7 World Heritage Sites in Australia and New Zealand
There are 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Australia and a further three in New Zealand - read our guide showcasing the seven sites we think you should consider when planning your holiday Down Under.
-
A Guide to the Best Road Trips
Imagine exploring a country at your own pace, driving through spectacular landscapes with your favourite songs playing in the background. From one-day classic drives to multi-day touring routes, read on for our pick of the world's great road trips.
-
12 Reasons to Visit New Zealand
Travel writer William Gray explains why we should pack our bags and head for NZ in a dozen reasons... just for starters.
-
Did You Know This About New Zealand?
How much do you really know about New Zealand? It is a county with plenty of cinematic acclaim (often dubbed the ‘other Hollywood’), home to incredible landscapes and exotic wildlife. It has developed a distinctive personality since the Maori first set eyes on the islands about 1000 years ago and is a land of many interesting quirks that will impress any travel and trivia enthusiast. Read on to find out more...
