Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust
in Wanaka for each guest we take to Ulva Island
click here for details
You can read the article as a PDF file here
photos, songs, video and descriptions
Ulva
Island is a magical place, best savoured in peace and at a
relaxed pace.....
Not for us the rush and bustle, nor as part of a crowd....
usually never more than 6 per guide.
And we’ve been here for a while......
40 years as Forest Ranger, commercial fishers
and now as Dept of Conservation concessioned guides..
We’ll explain the history, flora and fauna, and what
Island life
is like....
and how it all melds into the magic that is Rakiura.
Party size is small ( generally 6 or less) as we firmly believe larger parties seriously degrades the experience, Your guides will be either Peter or Iris, sometimes we will both guide.
Ulva Island is an absolute "Must Do" for visitors to Stewart Island. The Island is now free of introduced animals and is fast becoming a glimpse into New Zealand's ancient past. Several species of threatened birds have been reintroduced to this open sanctuary and are doing very well. In addition the forest is flourishing without the influence of rats and deer. The orchids are particularly impressive during their flowering seasons.
Peters duties as Forest Ranger many years ago included overseeing and managing Ulva Island. He was involved with some projects that are now an integral part of Ulva Island management. Our guided walks and commentary explains these and also subsequent projects that have resulted in the Ulva Island we now enjoy.
Iris's long involvement was recognised when she was appointed a foundation Trustee of Ulva Island.
There are lots of opportunities for photographs of both birds and the forest.
We are happy to assist disabled guests including those restricted to wheel-chairs. enjoy the magic of Ulva, If necessary we will take an extra guide to assist.
Using our own boat for access allows us to time our visits to take advantage of weather windows when conditions are boisterous. It also gives us the flexibility to avoid times when the Island may be busy with other visitors
Our standard tour is around 4 hrs and includes all transfers,
DoC Fees & etc.
Tours can start early morning or late afternoon when the birds
are at their best And if you'd like longer on the
Island we can arrange for you to stay on and be picked up later.
You will need walking shoes or sneakers, warmish clothes....
layers are best as much of the walk is under heavy forest
canopy... and a coat is a good idea. This can be left on the
boat if wished.
And please make sure your camera batteries are charged. We
discover a flat battery in the party at least once a week.
Generally we have a two person minimum numbers policy, but if you are staying at either Sails Ashore or Kowhai Lane as a single we waive this requirement.
We are happy to offer exclusive and customised tours,
While our "Sails" Guided Ulva Island Experience is packaged with "Sails Ashore" and "Kowhai Lane" accommodation we also welcome casual bookings, and the tariff includes transfers at start and end of tour.
Take advantage of digital to disc copy service.
Standard cost $10
per disc.
"Sails" clients enjoy a 50% Discount
