Ulva Island Bird Sanctuary, Stewart Island, New Zealand

Located in Waka o te Wera (Paterson Inlet), with 11km of coastline, Ulva Island is a scenic gem of unsurpassed beauty; an open bird sanctuary and predator free (since 1997). Ulva Island is easily accessed by a short watertaxi ride across Paterson Inlet from Golden Bay.

Under the luxuriant green mantle of podocarp forest the Ulva Island walks are rich with exquisite seasonal orchids, mosses, ferns, liverworts and the beautiful  filmy ferns.

The ancient rimu tree (dacrydium cupressinum) is seen at all stages of growth: seedlings, saplings, young juveniles, to the majestic giants that tower to the forest roof. Totara, kamahi (weinmannia racemosa), southern rata (metrosideros umbellata) and miro (prumnopitys ferruginea) abound among the uncurling fern fronds that carpet the forest floor.

Ulva Island is a sanctuary to threatened wildlife, and 30 saddleback (tieke) were released in May 2000 with 18 delightful Stewart Island Robins (toutouwai) released in October of the same year. You will also hear the songs of bellbird and tui, their bursts of melody interspersed with raucous call of the kaka and the chattering native parakeet kakariki.

A Stewart Island stay is not complete without a visit to Ulva Island, a place of high natural values and beauty steeped in a spiritual and cultural heritage. It is beyond compare.

Click here for details on Ulva's Guided Walk.

NEXT PAGE>