ulva island

Travelholic8

The Guided Tour was worth it. Made it so much more interesting than when we did Ulva Island independently a few years ago.

grahammenteith

Took a Stewart Island Experience Paterson Inlet and guided Ulva Island trip…very informative…the Mollymawks a joy to see…..should have organized more time on Ulva but will know another time.

paulettes224

Loved our visit to Ulva Island. Gentle walk with very informative guide. Saw endangered birds happy in their safe environment. Fantastic native plants and trees. Well worth the visit

goldsb

You need a pair of binoculars to take advantage of this island. The birds are often quite high up in the tree canopy. If it is raining, you are not likely to see a lot. Nice quite walks with birdsong. There are no bird predators on the island.Get the ferry/water taxi from Golden Bay, cost $20 return. It takes about 5 minutes. You can pick up a bird guide on the island at a small cost. The earliest ferry is 9am. Others depart every 3 hours.The paths are well marked out and signed. It takes about 45 minutes to quickly walk across the island. Slow, and quiet is best. The local robin will come to your feet looking for grubs in the freshly disturbed path. Nice encounter with the Weka ( Maoris hen). There are a number of species of bird on the island. There is access to the little bays. There is a good view of Stewart Island at Flagpole point. I thought it was possible to see more bird life on Stewart Island if you were willing to walk the trails. That way, it doesn't cost you $20 for what may be a mediocre experience- speaking as a non bird watcher, though a wild life enthusiast. Do not go it it is raining!

PhillipM55

Great little trip started with the Ulva Island Water Taxi that leaves from Golden Bay. First was the booking sheet system that is used by (you rock up at the wharf and get your name on the list, but don't worry as the turn around is quite quick), and then those unique tickets you are issued with-you will have to do the trip to find out! then the skipper Pete is a great sort, full of information and very friendly and helpful. When you get there the birds are astounding. not enough room to describe all, but took heaps of photos, and the primo was seeing the rare saddleback. Easy to get around and spend 3 hours. If you are the route march type don't go-you need to take the time and stop frequently and listen to get the benefits. Also if you are the talkative type also don't go as you spoil it for the others.

Nymphonicx

It was pouring with rain the whole day but we decided to go for it anyway and it was worth it. We didn't see saddleback :( (but we heard them) we did see Stewart Island Robins (one jumped on my husbands foot!), Kaka, bellbirds, a red-crowned parakeet (kakariki), weka, tomtits and so much beautiful natural NZ bush. On the boat ride there and back we saw a Yellow-eyed penguin, mollymawks, titi, little blue penguin, a seal, shags, terns and lots more as well. We will be back and we will go for the whole day so we can walk around the whole island!It is a MUST for anyone who loves wild NZ and the amazing wildlife.The only cost is transport to the Island, there is a self-guiding book for $2 (bring cash for it but you can buy them on the Stewart Island in most places) or you can get a guided walk.

mattt23

First off, Peter and Anita the owner/operators were very very good and the service/knowledge and information offered was great! We had 3 hours over on the Island and took in all the walks. Well worth the trip. We paid the extra $5 per person to pick a different return time.

KarenP51

We took a water taxi $20 per person return, and spent four hours wandering around the tracks. The Guide Book $2, was helpful. We spotted lots of birds including the Robin, Kaka, Saddleback, Yellowhead, Parakeet, Fantail, Tui, Bellbird and Wekas. The wekas were down on the water and we turned over some rocks and they enjoyed the crabs underneath. The paths are well maintained, and the bush and beaches picturesque. There were toilets available. Bring a snack and a bottle of water with you.A lovely way to spend a few hours.

120Petunia

A great place to visit while on Stewart Island. The ferry ride over was a short trip. The bush and bird life, water views, general ambiance, walking made for a great day out. Take some food, toilet facilities are there

susane759

Liked that they trying to grow native nz birds on Ulva,without threats.peter introduced me to fatso the robin

VivvyLondon

I spent a morning on Ulva Island on one of Ulva's bird spotting guided tours. I am a complete novice but was enthralled with the variety of birds we got to see a and listen to. It is a beautiful place. Definitely worth going to and you'll get lots more from your visit if you go on the guided tour.

Remuslupin

We took a 9am ferry from Golden bay and were very lucky to catch a glimpse of dolphins that were passing by the inlet. Ulva island has very easy to walk footpath and curious robbins that will follow you along. Be extremely quiet and enjoy the sight and sound of the birds and surrounding. Its not uncommon to come across Kaka pecking at the log next to the footpath or hear a weka scuttling around. This is truly a reinvigorating retreat from cityscape.

Thegood1z

$20.00 water taxi will bring you this amazing Island. Beautiful beaches, wildlife and plant life. Walk the entire Island at leisure and to do this you need about 3 hours. Walking tracks are in good condition . Best to go in the morning when the wildlife is most active. Its like listening to an orchestra of birds. absolutely serene.

902nathanm

So needed to spend more time here. The bird life is just amazing, Robins flit from tree to tree and fly right up to you as if you are what they have come to see not the other way around. Kaka's hop up on your picnic table and steal off with your sandwich like Yogi Bear. Truly delightful. It is like looking at New Zealand from the distant past. Great for families and serious trampers alike, plenty of good walking tracks and unspoilt beaches.

VitaAuckland

A beautiful small island with excellent walkways. We were lucky to see rata still flowering which attracted a good variety of birds. Rata is a flowering climber.