Frequently asked questions

What to wear/bring     ​

• We recommend the following clothing for all our tours regardless of season; ​​​good sturdy walking shoes/boots, warm layers of clothing, warm hat, gloves, waterproof jacket and leggings
• In the summer months we also recommend; sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen and insect repellent
• Water and snacks
• ​Binoculars and/or camera
• Day pack to carry everything!

How do I get to Golden Bay Wharf?

• It's a 15-20 minute walk from Oban township/Halfmoon Bay - up over a hill and down into Paterson's Inlet and the Golden Bay Wharf.  A free paper map is available from the Stewart Island Flights depot, Stewart Island Ferry terminal, Stewart Island Four Square supermarket, and most accommodation providers or you can download a copy from the Stewart Island website.  If you require transport we recommend advance booking with the fabulous Aurora Cab Co!

Can I take food and drink to Ulva Island?

• You are welcome to bring nibbles and a drink to sip as we walk, but please do not feed the wildlife and take all rubbish away with you.

Are there toilets at Ulva Island?

• Yes there are three; one at Post Office Cove (near the wharf), one at Sydney Cove and another near West End Beach.
• There is also a toilet at Golden Bay Wharf (Stewart Island) which is where water taxis depart to go to Ulva Island.

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Are there shops at Ulva Island?

• No, thank goodness! Ulva Island is a pristine paradise and you need to take everything you will need for the duration of your visit.
• We recommend you shop at the Stewart Island Four Square supermarket.

Can I camp at Ulva Island?

• No!  Please visit the Department of Conservation Rakiura National Park website for details.  All visitors must leave Ulva Island before 6pm.

​Can I stay longer at Ulva Island after my guided walk?

• Subject to water taxi availability we can usually arrange this for you at no extra charge - occasionally a surcharge may be applied.

Will I see a kiwi at Ulva Island?

• There are approximately 25-30 Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka) at Ulva Island and whilst they are the only diurnal species of kiwi, sightings are random. We do not advertise our Ulva Island guided walk as a way to view kiwi. There are far rarer birds such as the South Island Saddleback and Stewart Island Weka that can be seen at Ulva Island. If seeing kiwi is your goal we recommend our evening kiwi spotting tour at Mamaku Point Conservation Reserve.

​What time does the evening kiwi spotting tour start?
After sunset - time & location advised when you contact us to re-confirm your booking, but departure is likely to be in the region of:

• October - 9.00pm
• November to mid-December - 9.30pm
• Mid-December to mid-February - 10.00pm
• Mid-February to mid-March - 9.30pm
• Mid to end March - 9.00pm
• April & September - 8.15pm
• May, June, July, August - 7/7.30pm

Can I choose another departure location / can you pick me up from my Stewart Island accommodation?

• This is not possible. It's important we have everybody at our departure point promptly so that we don't keep the water taxi waiting.
• Our private tours may offer a pick up/drop off but this is subject to vehicle availability.​