All Ulva’s Guided Walks guides live and work on Stewart Island. Their local knowledge, flora and bird and wildlife expertise and overseas experiences are some of the many reasons why we have such a good time guiding our visitors. Each one of our guides has their own superb personal story of their Stewart Island life – ask them when you are here!
Ulva Goodwillie - Specialist Birding & Natural History Guide
What better introduction to Rakiura (Stewart Island) could you wish for than a guided walk with local Stewart Islanders who have a specialised insider knowledge of the world of Ulva Island bird sanctuary?
Ulva Goodwillie started Ulva's Guided Walks in 2000 when there was an obvious and requested need for visitors to have guides on Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary. Ulva is an articulate, friendly, well-informed Stewart Islander who is passionate about her home and committed to giving visitors a special insight into Rakiura/Stewart Island National Park's unique attractions.
Ulva bears the name of the lovely island sanctuary situated in Waka o Te Wera (Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island), also the wildlife sanctuary of Ulva Isle in the Hebrides of Scotland, just off Mull and very near to Iona. A highlight of her walking programme is a leisurely ramble which introduces visitors to Ulva Island's history, scenery and spectacular birdlife.
'Through knowledge passed down over generations, Ulva understands the traditional stories and uses of flora and fauna on Ulva Island. By also working with the Department of Conservation she has developed a thorough knowledge of the rare birdlife of Ulva Island.' [Tourism New Zealand Best Practice Case Tourism Operator, Sept 2006]
Ulva and her guiding team have an international reputation - they have hosted many film crews and nature/wildlife documentaries. The latest filming was for World Environment Day in New Zealand, with Stewart and Ulva Island as best examples of environmental ethics; and was released worldwide in June 2008.
We are huge supporters of the Ulva Island Charitable Trust and Stewart Island/Rakiura Community & Environment Trust, both of which continue to uphold and maintain the highest quality environmental and conservation standards for the Islands in Rakiura/Stewart Island National Park. Ulva was also part of the team instrumental in translocating and releasing of our rare and endangered robins and rifleman to Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary.
Matt Jones - our #1 Birding Guide
Matt started birdwatching at a young age in Kent in the south-east of England. He has travelled extensively, bird watching in diverse places such as Canada, India, Poland and Tonga to name but a few, as well as his native UK and New Zealand. He now lives on Stewart Island, drawn here by the birdlife and lifestyle.
Matt enjoys nothing more than sharing his knowledge and passion for birds in the idyllic setting of Ulva Island. Even on his days off he can be found on Ulva Island with his camera! See: http://www.mattjoneswildlifeimages.com
As well as guiding on Ulva Island, Matt is a keen volunteer with local conservation projects including the Kakapo Recovery Programme, SIRCET (Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Environment Trust) and also helped with the translocation of 40 South Island Tieke/Saddlebacks from Ulva Island to the South Island. In December 2009 Matt was voted onto the Ulva Island Charitable Trust.
Memberships:
- New Zealand Birding Network Executive Member
- Stewart Island Promotions Association Executive Member
- New Zealand Tourism Industry Association
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network
- Proud sponsor of Ulva Island Charitable Trust
- Proud sponsor of Stewart Island/Rakiura Community & Environment Trust (SIRCET)
