Stewart Island Experience Ulva Island Explorer

Stewart Island is New Zealand’s ultimate eco-tourism destination. Its densely forested hills, and untouched coastline of rocky outcrops and golden sand beaches make it a haven for native marine and bird life. Vivid dawn and twilight hues give rise to the island’s Maori name, Rakiura – land of the glowing skies. Discover a unique wildlife sanctuary island on the Ulva Island Explorer tour.

The cruise will showcase some of Paterson Inlet’s stunning scenery with its hidden coves and unspoilt beaches. You’ll hear fascinating stories of early Maori history and European settlement from your guide as we pass various landmarks. Your guide is passionate about this area, provides informative commentary and is more than happy to answer questions. While on board, keep a look out for fur seals and penguins – we see a lot of them around this area.

Paterson inlet is home to renowned wildlife sanctuary Ulva Island and we’ll stop there for a 45 minute guided walk. The island is home to weka (native woodhen), bush robins, rare saddlebacks and yellowheads amongst other species. It is also a protected habitat for some of New Zealand’s rarest plant species. A regular highlight is to encounter an inquisitive weka on the beach.

Activity Options

Ulva Island Explorer

Discover Stewart Island from the water
Enjoy a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet viewing hidden coves and unspoilt beaches, plus the historic whalers base at Prices Inlet
Your skipper and nature guide will provide detailed commentary throughout the cruise
Disembark at Ulva Island – a renowned wildlife sanctuary – for a 45-minute guided walk with a specialist nature guide
View rare plants and the abundant bird life during your guided walk
Then relax on board the modern catamaran for the remainder of the cruise around Paterson Inlet and back to base

Other Information on the Ulva Island Explorer

Suitable for all ages

Departures

Paterson Inlet Cruises depart from the Stewart Island Visitor Terminal

November through April: 12.45 pm (daily except 25 December)

Duration

Paterson Inlet Cruises: 2 hours 30 minutes

Location

Stewart Island Visitor Terminal, Stewart Island, New Zealand.

Book the Ulva Island Explorer

You can book Stewart Island activities separately or as part of one of our New Zealand holiday packages. We bundle activities, accommodation, and transportation together for convenient, affordable New Zealand holidays.

Popular New Zealand holiday packages with a stay on Stewart Island include:

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to plan your visit to Stewart Island.