Ulva's Guided Walks
Ulva's Guided Walks
5
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Ulva Island is located on Stewart Island,New Zealand. A predator-free and picturesque island, it is an environmental treasure. Rare, endangered, endemic and native birds abound - it is also a botanist's dream in a pristine primeval forest environment. Ulva's Guided Walks is the Ulva Island specialist natural history guiding team that provides visitors with truly memorable experiences in this unique forest sanctuary. We provide personalised and small group experiences - and absolutely guarantee that you will love our southern-most bird sanctuary in the world!
Stewart Island, New Zealand
Features animals
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Ulva's Guided Walks
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravellers talk about
(25 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
154 reviews
Excellent
144
Very good
7
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Escape37701164634
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
really nice tour. Emma was patient, knowledgable and nice. worth every penny. We've seen most of the birds and learned a lot about the plants on the island
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quest41266024558
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
The tour a Highlight Up there with the Aurora Lights. Guides informative and knowledgeable of birds and plants
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David55Sa
Auckland Central, New Zealand22 contributions
Mar 2023
After completing the Rakiura Track , we stayed an extra day to visit Ulva Island. We booked with Ulva's tours and very pleased that we did.
Our first experience with Ulva, who owns the business, was a warm cheerful "good morning" on the wharf at Golden Bay. From there she took us across Paterson Inlet to Ulva Island and provided a superb tour full of her knowledge of the local history, geology and wildlife on the island. As a born and bred Stewart Islander of Maori descent, her tikanga and passion was interwoven through her guiding talk as she led us around the island's tracks and beaches.
I thoroughly recommend her as guide.
Our first experience with Ulva, who owns the business, was a warm cheerful "good morning" on the wharf at Golden Bay. From there she took us across Paterson Inlet to Ulva Island and provided a superb tour full of her knowledge of the local history, geology and wildlife on the island. As a born and bred Stewart Islander of Maori descent, her tikanga and passion was interwoven through her guiding talk as she led us around the island's tracks and beaches.
I thoroughly recommend her as guide.
Written 9 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Summerasalifestyle
Malibu, CA2,929 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
I booked an evening kiwi spotting.
Dan was our guide and is personable professional and knowledgeable.
We were able to see 6 kiwis.
Tour started about 8:15 and we finished close to 11…and he gives ya a ride back to your lodging!
No photos at night.
Dan was our guide and is personable professional and knowledgeable.
We were able to see 6 kiwis.
Tour started about 8:15 and we finished close to 11…and he gives ya a ride back to your lodging!
No photos at night.
Written 20 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jay v
Topanga, CA24 contributions
Mar 2023
In planning our trip (1 month) to New Zealand, I had hoped that our short visit to Stewart Island, and a scheduled bird walk on Ulva would be one of the highlights.
Because of our walk with Emily, that is exactly what happened.
We went with her on a 2.5 hour walk. To start with we arrived on Ulva a couple of hours before the guided walk. We spoke with Emily prior to this and she recommended areas to walk beforehand. This was exceptionally good advice as we got a very nice introduction to the island prior to the guided walk.
Once the guided walk started, it became very clear that Emily has otherworldly capabilities. Her ability to listen for, identify and spot birds is uncanny. I was both charmed and astonished. 'Can you hear.... those are Riflemen above us..' a minute later they are in view. Smallest bird in NZ. There it is... 'hear that.. a warning call of the Saddleback..." Cue the Saddleback. I've never been in the presence of someone with this level of guiding skill. It was a delight. Emily is very user friendly, easy to talk with and extremely knowledgeable regarding the flora and fauna of Ulva (i'm sure this is not the limits of her knowledge, believe me). I can only say that I have never enjoyed a bird walk as much as I enjoyed this one. So. If you are reading this, you are already likely to be interested in Ulva and Stewart Island. I can only say that it would be my highest recommendation to take a walk with Emily on Ulva. You will most likely, come away delighted, charmed and thoroughly amazed, just as we were.
Because of our walk with Emily, that is exactly what happened.
We went with her on a 2.5 hour walk. To start with we arrived on Ulva a couple of hours before the guided walk. We spoke with Emily prior to this and she recommended areas to walk beforehand. This was exceptionally good advice as we got a very nice introduction to the island prior to the guided walk.
Once the guided walk started, it became very clear that Emily has otherworldly capabilities. Her ability to listen for, identify and spot birds is uncanny. I was both charmed and astonished. 'Can you hear.... those are Riflemen above us..' a minute later they are in view. Smallest bird in NZ. There it is... 'hear that.. a warning call of the Saddleback..." Cue the Saddleback. I've never been in the presence of someone with this level of guiding skill. It was a delight. Emily is very user friendly, easy to talk with and extremely knowledgeable regarding the flora and fauna of Ulva (i'm sure this is not the limits of her knowledge, believe me). I can only say that I have never enjoyed a bird walk as much as I enjoyed this one. So. If you are reading this, you are already likely to be interested in Ulva and Stewart Island. I can only say that it would be my highest recommendation to take a walk with Emily on Ulva. You will most likely, come away delighted, charmed and thoroughly amazed, just as we were.
Written 30 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
glennomeister
Wellington, New Zealand509 contributions
Feb 2023
You can just organise your own water taxi ride and walk around the island. But don't. Despite the price tag for two of us, this guided walk was well worth it. For a start your guide will know the bird calls and be on constant lookout and be able to stop the group when there is or might be something good around.
To quote my girlfriend, "I'll never forget Emma, our Ulva Island guide and a Stewart Island 6th generation local. She knew everything and could answer every obsessive question that I had about both Ulva and Stewart Islands. An unforgettable experience."
There's more standing around than walking, but that's so you can get all the info and have the best chance of seeing and photographing the wonderful (but often elusive) birds. There's a bit of up-and-down on some sections of the walk but nothing difficult for anyone not movement impaired in the first place. Despite the generally sedate pace you'll be needing a nap when you get back to your accommodation!
I had done a shorter guided walk several years ago but didn't spot Mōhua that time, so was very pleased it happened this time. Pics attached of the more interesting stuff I managed to snap.
Flora is also discussed which was quite interesting but personally I was there for the birds, but my girlfriend loved all the info about plants too. Emma is a star guide.
To quote my girlfriend, "I'll never forget Emma, our Ulva Island guide and a Stewart Island 6th generation local. She knew everything and could answer every obsessive question that I had about both Ulva and Stewart Islands. An unforgettable experience."
There's more standing around than walking, but that's so you can get all the info and have the best chance of seeing and photographing the wonderful (but often elusive) birds. There's a bit of up-and-down on some sections of the walk but nothing difficult for anyone not movement impaired in the first place. Despite the generally sedate pace you'll be needing a nap when you get back to your accommodation!
I had done a shorter guided walk several years ago but didn't spot Mōhua that time, so was very pleased it happened this time. Pics attached of the more interesting stuff I managed to snap.
Flora is also discussed which was quite interesting but personally I was there for the birds, but my girlfriend loved all the info about plants too. Emma is a star guide.
Written 18 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Glenn for your fabulous description of the walking pace and conditions - and our wonderful Emma. We are often asked why should someone go to Ulva Island with a guide, and your awesome review sums it up perfectly. We're delighted that you saw Mōhua this time too!
Written 10 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LXdaddy
Hampshire, UK137 contributions
Jan 2023
Rosie was our guide for our walk around Ulva Island. This Island is a nature reserve which is close to being predator free. The DOC have created good walking paths throughout the island allowing for a wide variety of routes, taking different times.
Rosie has worked a volunteer conservationist on a number of projects and is clearly VERY committed to protecting the environment. The particular weather conditions in the day or two before our visit meant that there were a couple of places where many birds had congregated to search for food and water.
Rosie was very good at identifying the birds and providing information about the status of each species.
We had an enlightening tour and would highly recommend this company.
Rosie has worked a volunteer conservationist on a number of projects and is clearly VERY committed to protecting the environment. The particular weather conditions in the day or two before our visit meant that there were a couple of places where many birds had congregated to search for food and water.
Rosie was very good at identifying the birds and providing information about the status of each species.
We had an enlightening tour and would highly recommend this company.
Written 13 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write about your enlightening experience with Rosie at Ulva Island, she will be thrilled to read your feedback.
Written 10 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stuart L
Auckland, New Zealand52 contributions
Dec 2022 • Solo
We had a great night out with a knowledgeable guide. We saw our first kiwi while we were driving out to the location, and our last kiwi while driving home.
It was a great experience seeing this iconic bird, so glad I went along.
One of them even walked right up to our guide and sniffed his boots, we would have laughed except we were trying to keep quiet!
It was a great experience seeing this iconic bird, so glad I went along.
One of them even walked right up to our guide and sniffed his boots, we would have laughed except we were trying to keep quiet!
Written 16 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie B
7 contributions
Oct 2022 • Solo
I did the walk with Ulva. I found her passionate, funny and very interesting. A true caretaker of our planet with her depth of knowledge and obvious love of nature. I enjoyed every minute of it
Written 2 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheMcBeaths
Christchurch, New Zealand27 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
We booked the combo tour and you won’t be disappointed. We had Ulva as our guide on both occasions and what a delight she was. Managed to see two Kiwis on the night tour which was a bucket list moment and the trip to Ulva Island is a brilliant. Ulva’s knowledge was outstanding and we learnt a lot about wonderful native birds and plants. A big thank you from us and also for being patient as this was the third time booking this trip due to Covid.
Written 18 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yay! As you know, we are thrilled that you both finally made it to Rakiura! Thank you for sharing your feedback, which I will pass on to Ulva for sure. We are just so pleased to have played a small part in you ticking that bucket list moment. It will give you goosebumps for a long time yet! We greatly appreciate YOU for sticking with us; postponing instead of cancelling was a huge help for us during those lock downs.
Written 24 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AnnamariaSplitwing
Canterbury, UK22 contributions
Can any of these guided tours be done on a day trip as this is all we could do as we wold not want to leave our camper van unattended for 2 days at Bluff, as much as we would love to do 2 days on Stewart island/Ulva
Bernard29NZ
Christchurch, New Zealand8 contributions
Hi - Ulva Goodwillie here from Ulva's Guided Walks. We can definitely arrange a half day trip to fit in with your transport requirements. Dependent on your afternoon departure time, we can fit in an early afternoon half day guided walk to suit.
Remember too, that the ferry has a really good long-term parking system at Bluff which may help? Contact us via email and we can discuss this further...
Best regards,
Ulva Goodwillie
Ulva's Guided Walks
Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary