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Ulva Island
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This half day walking tour on the wildlife sanctuary of Ulva Island gives you the chance to see ancient native forest and many species of bird that are rare or endangered elsewhere in New Zealand.- Return travel to Ulva Island by water taxi.
- Department of Conservation fees.
- Fully guided walking tour of the island.
- Informative commentary from your guide.
- Small groups and frequent stops so the tour is at your pace.
This half day walking tour on the wildlife sanctuary of Ulva Island gives you the chance to see ancient native forest and many species of bird that are rare or endangered elsewhere in New Zealand, making it a must for bird lovers and botanists visiting Stewart Island.
Ulva Island lies 2km off shore from Oban on Stewart Island and has become a haven for wildlife. The majority of the 250 hectare island is part of the Rakiura National Park and the fact that it is largely free from introduced predators means that you will see many rare and threatened New Zealand birds on your walking tour.
Your tour starts with a 10 minute water taxi ride over Paterson Inlet to Post Office Bay on Ulva Island where your guide will lead you into the forest of rimu, miro, totara and rata trees that grow here. You will be enveloped in a chorus of birdsong throughout your time on the island, the distinctive calls of the kaka and bellbird and the various sounds of the tui creating an amazing sensation.
Your knowledgeable guide encourages as many stops as you desire, to rest or explore, or simply listen to the bird calls and is eager to help you identify the native plants and animals that you may see, including the endangered saddleback and rare red-fronted parakeets, as well as weka, bellbirds, tui, New Zealand wood pigeons, and fan tails as they flutter excitedly around you.
Your tour will take you through the moss covered forests and deserted sandy beaches of the western end of Ulva Island, visiting Post Office Bay, West End Junction, and Boulder Beach before returning to Post Office Bay to catch your water taxi back to the township of Oban.
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- Hotel pick up/drop off – Golden Wharf Bay is an easy 10 minute walk from Halfmoon Bay.
- Refreshments.
As weather in the area can change suddenly we recommend that you line your day pack with a plastic bag or liner and ensure that you have a good waterproof jacket with you as well as warm clothing - a fleece, hat and gloves.
We also recommend that you bring sunglasses, sun-block, a water bottle, a camera, binoculars, and insect repellent.Sturdy shoes are essential
Reasonable level of fitness required as you will be walking on mainly gravel tracks and beaches for up to 4 hours, covering 3-5km.
Although bringing your own refreshments is a good idea, no feeding of birds or other wildlife is allowed, and please keep your rubbish with you as there are no bins on the island.
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