Ulva Island (New Zealand) Island

Address: Ulva Island, off Stewart Island / Rakiura, Southland Region, New Zealand

Website: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/southland/places/ulva-island/

Hours: Open day‑use only (Department of Conservation rules apply)

Admission: Free (conservation permit required for some guided activities)

Ulva Island is a predator-free island nature reserve in Paterson Inlet off Stewart Island / Rakiura in New Zealand’s Southland Region. It is managed for the protection and recovery of native forest and bird species.

The island has short walking tracks through coastal and lowland forest where people can see native forest birds such as South Island robin, tomtit, bellbird and tui. Access is by a short boat trip from the main settlement of Oban on Stewart Island, and visits are typically made as daytime nature walks.

Conservation work on the island has focused on removing introduced mammalian predators and restoring native vegetation; it is maintained as a pest-free reserve and is included within the broader conservation management of Rakiura National Park. Ongoing monitoring and species management support reintroduced and resident native bird populations.

Ulva Island sits inside Paterson Inlet, close to the east coast of Stewart Island / Rakiura and a short boat ride from Oban. It is in New Zealand’s Southland Region.

• Access: Short licensed boat transfers run from the main settlement on Stewart Island, and visits are normally day trips with no accommodation on the island.
• Conservation: Managed as a pest-free conservation reserve to protect native forest birds and flora, with strict biosecurity rules for visitors.

From Oban (Halfmoon Bay) on Stewart Island: book a boat operator (private water taxi or guided tour). The crossing is typically 15-30 minutes depending on sea conditions. Boats leave from Halfmoon Bay; operators will brief visitors on DOC biosecurity rules. There is no public ferry on a set timetable - arrange transport in advance and confirm sea conditions.

• Book a boat transfer from Oban (Stewart Island) in advance-boats leave from Halfmoon Bay and take about 15-20 minutes.
• Respect the predator‑free status: no dogs, rats, or bait stations can be brought onto the island; follow Department of Conservation (DOC) biosecurity rules at the jetty.
• Walk the main loop (about 3-4 hours return) to see a cross-section of southern temperate forest and shorebirds; bring binoculars for endemic species such as South Island robins and saddlebacks.
• Avoid visiting at dusk if untrained in nocturnal birdwatching-many birds are easier to see at first light and mid-morning.