What to do and see in Stewart Island, South Island: The Best Nature & Wildlife Tours

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!

Ruggedy Range™ Wilderness Experience operate exclusively in Stewart Island and Ulva Island. We are an independent, small, locally owned and operated business, specialising in guided nature walks, overnight treks, bird watching (including pelagic birding) and kiwi spotting tours, wildlife and scenic cruises, sea kayaking and scenic road tours. Our tours are designed to capture the best the island has to offer and carefully matching this to the interests and abilities of the most discerning traveller. Whether you are a gentle explorer or adventurous and active, whether your interests are general or you are an avid birdwatcher, botanist, naturalist or photographer, we certainly have something to offer. Guides bring their in-depth knowledge, a sense of fun with a few local tales, to create a truly memorable experience. We care about the environment and strive to adopt and maintain sustainable practises. Visit our Ruggedy Range™ Booking Office at 14 Main Road, Stewart Island.

Experience the unique beauty of Ulva Island and Stewart Island while going for a guided walk with Beaks and Feathers. Be entranced by abundant and colourful birdlife and the impressive forest of Ulva Island. Be taken in with the old charm of Stewart Island, and experience local walks or parts of the Rakiura Track. Beaks and Feathers specialise in small groups for a better experience

We are two adventure guides that have a passion for freediving and conservation. We want to take you on an expedition in the Stewart Island Kelp Forests to view diverse and beautiful marine life. Learn about biodiversity, history and conservation of Rakiura, while following a theme of sustainability and effective ocean management . We will be visiting fragile, pristine, and undisturbed natural areas, ensuring we make zero impact by operating a small scale alternative to standard mass tourism.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet, viewing hidden coves and beaches including a visit to the Ulva Island – a renowned wildlife sanctuary. An on-board nature guide provides commentary throughout the cruise and leads a 45 minute walk through part of the Ulva Island. This island is home to abundant birdlife, including some of New Zealand’s most rare and precious plant species. Departs: Oban. (Previously named Paterson Inlet Cruises).

Cruise at dusk to Little Glory Bay for an opportunity to encounter wild southern brown kiwi in their natural habitat. Depart Halfmoon Bay, Oban at dusk for a cruise across Paterson Inlet. During the cruise, pass Ulva Island (a predator-free sanctuary) and learn about Stewart Island's rich history. The walk, led by a nature guide, is on a track across the peninsula, through spectacular coastal forest to a secluded sandy beach. The track emerges on a wide sandy beach and as daylight diminishes, this is where Southern brown kiwi (Rakiura Tokoeka) are often found feeding among the grasses and seaweed. - Departures: Sep - May - Small group: 8 per guide, max 16 per night.