Stewart Island: Ulva Island Guided Wilderness Walk & Cruise

2h 15m
Stewart Island, New Zealand

About this activity

Embark on a leisurely, informative cruise from Stewart Island including stunning views of Paterson Inlet, unspoiled beaches, hidden coves, and a guided forest walk of Ulva Island's renowned bird sanctuary.

Highlights

  • Admire Paterson Inlet’s stunning scenery on a comfortable catamaran cruise
  • Enjoy a forest and beach walk in the renowned Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary
  • Discover the region's flora and fauna from your knowledgeable nature guide
  • Look out for native wildlife including seals, penguins, sea birds, and more
  • Listen to fascinating stories of early Maori history and European settlement

Full description

Discover Stewart Island from the water with a cruise into the beautiful Paterson Inlet and  enjoy a guided walk in Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Admire Paterson Inlet’s stunning scenery from hidden coves to unspoilt beaches. Hear fascinating stories of early Maori history and European settlement as you pass various landmarks. 

While on board, keep a lookout for fur seals, penguins and other wildlife, as sightings are common. Paterson Inlet is home to renowned wildlife sanctuary Ulva Island. Disembark here for an approximately 1.5 hour guided walk with our passionate specialist nature guides, providing engaging commentary and are more than happy to answer questions.  

The island is home to weka, bush robins, rare saddlebacks and yellowheads amongst other species. It is also a protected habitat for some of New Zealand’s rarest plant species. Relax for the remainder of the cruise around Paterson Inlet and enjoy the coastal scenery before heading back to the wharf.

Included / Excluded

  • • Cruise of Paterson Inlet
  • • Approx 2 hour guided walk on Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary
  • • Specialist nature guide

Meeting point

Start Location

Stewart Island / Rakiura Ferry Terminal, Bluff, New Zealand

Important information

Know before you book

  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and your camera
  • Please ensure you arrive 20-minutes prior to departure to check-in
  • Wear weather appropriate clothing, non-slip shoes or boots and bring a waterproof jacket plus a warm sweater or fleece jacket

Know before you go

  • • Please ensure you arrive 20-minutes prior to departure to check-in
  • • Wear weather appropriate clothing, non-slip shoes or boots and bring a waterproof jacket plus a warm sweater or fleece jacket
  • • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and your camera

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Reviews

GetYourGuide
Kay
Sep 2026
5.0

Spectacular despite the weather

GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide traveler
Sep 2026
5.0

We were blessed with amazing weather, tour guide Gordon was also great.

GetYourGuide
Sonya
Sep 2026
5.0

Vic and Francis were absolutely amazing guides. They were knowledgeable about EVERYTHING- the horses, farm area ! Summit the horse lived up to his name - he was one tall horse! The most stunning views and a once in a lifetime experience!