Water activity

Stewart Island: 2.5-Hour Cruise and Ulva Island Guided Walk

4.8 / 5

74 reviews

Activity provider:RealNZ
Water activity

Stewart Island: 2.5-Hour Cruise and Ulva Island Guided Walk

Activity provider:RealNZ
Likely to sell out

From US$ 59.94 per person

Likely to sell out
Eco-certified

Embark on 2.5-hour experience from Stewart Island including a leisurely cruise of Paterson Inlet and a 45-minute guided walk of Ulva Island's renowned bird sanctuary.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
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Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 2.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Admire Paterson Inlet’s stunning scenery on a 2.5-hour experience
  • Embark on a 45-minute guided walk of Ulva Island's wildlife sanctuary
  • Discover the region's flora and fauna from your knowledgeable nature guide
Full description
Discover Stewart Island from the water with a 2.5-hour experience including a cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet and a 45-minute 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 from your guide as you pass various landmarks. Your passionate guide will provide engaging commentary and is more than happy to answer questions. 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 a 45-minute guided walk with a specialist nature guide. 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. Relax for the remainder of the cruise around Paterson Inlet and enjoy the coastal scenery before heading back to the wharf.
Includes
  • Cruise of Paterson Inlet
  • 45-minute guided walk on Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Specialist nature guide
  • Optional picnic lunch (select option when booking)

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Stewart Island Visitor Terminal, Main Wharf, Halfmoon Bay.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Insect repellent
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.8 /5

based on 74 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.9/5
  • Transportation
    4.9/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

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Star rating:

There was interesting historical information about the area given on the boat (by Jens?), and once we got to Ulva Is we were able to walk around at a leisurely pace and Britt pointed out lots of plants and birds to us (which we would not have noticed if we had wandered around by ourselves). Britt was tuned in to all the different bird calls and could identify them and show us where the birds were.

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February 18, 2023

Boat trip was very enjoyable, good commentary. Saw penguins and dolphins in the water nearby plus a mollyhawk flew close to the boat. Wonderful bush walk, saw weka and numerous native birds. The guide was very knowledgeable and conveyed information regarding the birds and plants. The walk was easy going and our group small so it was a very pleasurable experience.

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January 23, 2023

The guide was extremely knowledgeable about the island, the flora and fauna. So good to have experienced such close interaction with some very rare birds. These tours provide financing to keep up the conservation efforts of these staff and such a.privaledge to be able to see these rare birds up close. Keep up the great work team

May 13, 2022

Product ID: 185015