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
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
163 reviews
Excellent
152
Very good
8
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
2
Linda
Warkworth, New Zealand7 contributions
Sept 2020
The knowledge and passion of Matt our guide was exceptional. Although birds are a particular speciality he also knows his stuff about plants, mammals, and history. He was entertaining and funny with great stories. He was told heaps of times he should write a book. He is also a keen photographer and has had photos published. We liked his friendly kind nature and patience with even some pretty dumb questions that got asked. He made our trip to Ulva Island a magic day finding us kiwis,wekas and sealions not to mention saddle backs and the furtive yellow head it will be hard to forget. Thanks Matt.
Written 23 September 2020
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.
Linda, thank you very very much. Matt's knowledge and passion is indeed exceptional and we value that, and his stories and sense of humour too - he's an absolute treasure in our team. Thank you to you and C & M for choosing to visit Rakiura Stewart Island, it sounds like you all had a blast here and we hope to welcome you back one day soon.
Written 26 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barry S
Taupo8 contributions
Nov 2020
After our guided walk around the island we met and talked to others that had not been on the guided walk and was so pleased we had. We saw, realised and learnt so much more from the guided walk than those that didn't. Matt’s knowledge, enthusiasm and experience of knowing when to stop and allow the many variety of birds to come to us was exceptional. A wonderful day spent in great company with life long memorable experiences. I have to acknowledge the great efforts of many that helped create and keep this unique island predator free for us all to enjoy. Thank you.
Written 17 November 2020
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.
Brian H
Christchurch, UK2 contributions
Feb 2020
An amazing experience. Ulva, our guide, has an incredible knowledge of the flora and fauna of the island after which she is named. Her small group size policy means that you get the full benefit of her expertise and can move quietly through the bush without scaring off the things you have come to see. She makes sure everyone is included and gets to see what the rest of the group sees. We would recommend this tour without hesitation. There are other tours available as well as self-guided visits but why not go with the best and get an amazing once in a lifetime experience of Ulva Island.
Brian and Jill
UK
Brian and Jill
UK
Written 27 February 2020
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.
Brian and Jill - thank you so much for your brilliant review. I'm so very pleased you were able to come to our stunning part of the world before mother earth rebelled! The environment has definitely survived the best out of this lock-down time, although we haven't been able to get back to Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary for six weeks now. Can't wait to get back there and check how the birdlife is going. I do hope your trip home was uneventful, and are spending this time cataloguing your photos :)
Noho ora mai - keep safe and well, Ulva Goodwillie.
Written 9 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sunny
2 contributions
Feb 2021
We booked and paid weeks in advance for a 10pm nighttime kiwi spotting guided walk. As requested we confirmed when we arrived on Stewart Island and received a confirmation text message with pick up instructions. We arrived 10 minutes early and waited for ½ an hour and no one showed up or answered our calls and texts. The following morning we received a text saying their phone was on silent. No real explanation. Fortunately we got a refund. Our friends took the Beaks & Feathers nighttime guided walk and saw kiwis and were very pleased. Be warned.
Written 7 February 2021
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.
Dear SBFarm: we acknowledge receipt of your review above. We apologise profusely for this indefensible action to your family group.
It's no excuse - but there was a total breakdown in communication for which we again apolgise unreservedly. The least we could do was to repay your fee.
In over 20 years of business, this is the first time it has occurred. We have updated procedures to remedy this situation and to ensure that it does not happen again.
We also also highly recommend Beaks and Feathers kiwispotting tour!
Ulva Goodwillie,
Owner
Written 1 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
glennomeister
Wellington, New Zealand532 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.
Anna D
Auckland, New Zealand2 contributions
Mar 2021 • Friends
My friend and I felt privileged to go with Ulva as well known local Rakiura/Stewart islander of Maori & Scot heritage. She was so brilliant for explaining to us about the birds and native plants/trees. However we are both Deaf, Ulva pointed for us to see the birds perching on branches. We did communicate quite well as we learnt a lot with each other! Stewart Island robins often appeared when we walked along.
Written 17 March 2021
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.
Marcie
3 contributions
Sept 2020 • Friends
Matt Jones was an exceptional guide. Very knowledgeable on flora, fauna & history of not only Ulva Island but Stewart Island in general. A well respected bird guide in NZ and actively involved in conservation I could not recommend a better experience!
Written 23 September 2020
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, thank you. I'll pass your wonderful review on to Matt, he'll be delighted that you enjoyed your time at Ulva Island.
Written 26 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jonathan K
Inverness, UK47 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
We would happily rate this 6 stars! We did the combination evening walk and Kiwi spotting, and afternoon guided walk around Ulva island.
Our guide on the Kiwi trip was Ulva who went above and beyond in her efforts to find us Kiwis, and through her local knowledge and tenacity eventually succeeded in showing us fantastic views. We watched one female for over twenty minutes as she explored and fed, never more than 5 metres from where the four of us stood spellbound. Ulva’s knowledge of and passion for her community and its wildlife combined with her humour and friendliness made this element of the package exceptional.
Our guide on the trip to Ulva island, Emma, similarly impressed with both her knowledge of and commitment to her community and the conservation of its flora and fauna. She showed us so much that we would have missed if we’d been on our own, knowing exactly which birds were nesting where, and able to tell us all about them, pointing out and explaining so many aspects of plants and trees and able to answer every question.
In summary the outstanding knowledgeable friendly local guides make these trips excellent value.
Our guide on the Kiwi trip was Ulva who went above and beyond in her efforts to find us Kiwis, and through her local knowledge and tenacity eventually succeeded in showing us fantastic views. We watched one female for over twenty minutes as she explored and fed, never more than 5 metres from where the four of us stood spellbound. Ulva’s knowledge of and passion for her community and its wildlife combined with her humour and friendliness made this element of the package exceptional.
Our guide on the trip to Ulva island, Emma, similarly impressed with both her knowledge of and commitment to her community and the conservation of its flora and fauna. She showed us so much that we would have missed if we’d been on our own, knowing exactly which birds were nesting where, and able to tell us all about them, pointing out and explaining so many aspects of plants and trees and able to answer every question.
In summary the outstanding knowledgeable friendly local guides make these trips excellent value.
Written 6 December 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.
Shazz
3 contributions
Dec 2020 • Friends
We thoroughly enjoyed our bird watching walkabout. Matt was a wealth of knowledge and showed passion and great enthusiasm for all the birdlife, flora & fauna. You can tell he loves his job! It was exceptional value and would highly recommend to visit the island with a guide.
Written 8 December 2020
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.
562mega
Christchurch, New Zealand12 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
A great experience. I have recommended the Ulva Island Guided Walk & evening kiwi spotting combo to others. Even in winter we got to see Saddlebacks and many other unique birds on the Ulva Island tour. We also saw Kiwis on the night tour. The guides are experts and have an amazing ability to hear and see the birds from the slightest noise or branch movement, well worth the money. You will learn a fair bit about the flora and fauna present as well.
Written 21 July 2020
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.
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
Written 1 September 2016
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
Written 3 September 2016
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