From Stewart Island: Ulva Island Explorer Tour with Paterson Inlet Cruise

Explore a true haven for wildlife

Sail across the pristine waters of Paterson Inlet, spot native wildlife, and step into the untouched beauty of Ulva Island on this guided nature adventure.

Getting started

Your journey begins at the Stewart Island dock, where you’ll board a comfortable catamaran for a scenic cruise. Keep your camera ready—you might spot little blue penguins bobbing in the water or fur seals basking on rocky shores.

What to expect

• Paterson Inlet: Travel through this sheltered waterway, framed by golden beaches and lush coastal forests. Your captain will share stories of the island’s rich history as you search for seabirds like albatross and sooty shearwaters.

• Ulva Island: A predator-free paradise, this island is a haven for rare native birds. Step onto the sandy shore and follow your guide through ancient podocarp forests, where moss-draped trees shelter weka, saddlebacks, yellowheads, and the elusive Stewart Island robin.

• Guided nature walk: Stroll along well-maintained trails as your local guide reveals the secrets of this thriving ecosystem. Listen for the melodic calls of bellbirds, spot orchids blooming beneath towering rimu trees, and hear fascinating stories of the island’s conservation success.

After your island exploration, relax on the boat ride back to Stewart Island. Enjoy the salty breeze and one last chance to spot dolphins before docking, wrapping up your unforgettable day in nature.

From Stewart Island: Ulva Island Explorer Tour with Paterson Inlet Cruise

This guided wildlife adventure is perfect for nature lovers eager to spot rare birds, explore lush forests, and cruise the scenic waters of Stewart Island. The tour includes a 2-hour cruise across Paterson Inlet, gliding past hidden coves and sandy beaches while keeping watch for fur seals, penguins, and seabirds along the way. Step into Ulva Island’s predator-free sanctuary where you will follow a guide through the lush rainforest, spending approximately 3 hours exploring the island's unique ecosystem. Rare saddlebacks, yellowheads, and weka thrive here, offering an unparalleled opportunity to observe native birdlife in their natural habitat. The tour is available year-round with guided commentary provided in English, ensuring that visitors of all ages can enjoy this educational experience. With a focus on sustainability and conservation efforts, the Ulva Island Explorer Tour provides a deep dive into Stewart Island's rich biodiversity.

Explore Paterson Inlet

Your tour stops at Paterson Inlet where you will cruise through the 150-square-mile inlet, established in the early 20th century. The inlet is known for its diverse marine life and stunning coastal scenery, including hidden coves and sandy beaches that are home to fur seals and penguins. Guests can spend up to two hours exploring this scenic waterway, learning about the local flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides who provide commentary in English. Paterson Inlet is unique compared to other areas on Stewart Island due to its protected status and rich biodiversity, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Discover Ulva Island’s Predator-Free Sanctuary

The tour takes you to Ulva Island, which covers approximately 250 acres of lush forest. Once known as Coopers Island, the island was renamed after Scotland's Ulva in the Inner Hebrides, reflecting its deep historical ties to early Scottish settlers who arrived in the mid-19th century. Visitors can spend about three hours walking through the rainforest and learning about native plants like rimu and southern rātā trees that tower over them. The island is a sanctuary for rare birds such as saddlebacks, yellowheads, and weka, which are not commonly found elsewhere due to predator control measures implemented since 1974. This makes Ulva Island unique in its ability to offer visitors an up-close encounter with New Zealand’s native wildlife.

Tour Highlights

• Wildlife spotting at Paterson Inlet
• 2-hour cruise along scenic waters
• English audio guide throughout the tour
• Bird watching on Ulva Island's rainforest trails
• Educational experience at predator-free sanctuary
• Unique opportunity to observe rare bird species
• Guided commentary in English for all ages
• Sustainable and conservation-focused adventure

Perfect for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and families, this guided tour provides an educational and immersive experience of Stewart Island's wildlife. The 5-hour format allows you to cruise through Paterson Inlet, explore Ulva Island’s rainforest trails, and observe rare bird species in their natural habitat, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the island's rich biodiversity while enjoying its stunning landscapes.