Read the news and reviews

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Our deepest gratitude goes to you for our personal tour (I know we had a small group but it felt really personal) of your island. Obviously without the drive from people such as yourself and DoC the originality of our flora and fauna would die out very rapidly. Honestly, Brian's mouth has not closed from awe of the environment apart from ... to vociferously crow about the wonderful scenery and friendliness of yourself and your ability to be able to see and find birds before we possibly could.
​​Peter & Brian, New Zealand

"...I have never had an experience like Ulva Island; consequently it's a hard one to categorise. It was, though, a life highlight - a day of beauty and gentle learning. And Ulva was a bird spotting joy with her hat, her stick and HER island...."
Marcus Lush, Radio and Documentary Television Presenter.

There are some days which are so memorable that you will remember every single moment, every sound. Thank you for giving me one of these days. 
Mark W, Italy

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Loved being guided by Denise. Informative. Interesting. My 16 yr old especially enjoyed the walk because of Denise’s historical knowledge. I enjoyed learning about Maori connections to Ulva & Rakiura too that Denise shared. I enjoyed Denise’s breadth of knowledge across pest tracking/trapping; bird & tree knowledge. Just a great 4 hr experience.
Nic M

We went to Ulva Isl. on a rainy, rainy, rainy day. Did I mention how much it rained? That was the day that bridges were washed out and roads closed all over New Zealand. We took the water taxi with our guide Matt Jones, who's sunny outlook and indefatigable energy and optimism made this an excellent day. We hiked all around the beautiful island and saw so many birds! Matt got us on every bird that came anywhere near us.
​Phil R

A truly wonderful experience.  Thank you so much.  One of the highlights of our NZ trip and hope our travels next year can produce something comparable.  You are a wonderful ambassador for New Zealand but especially for Stewart and Ulva Island.  A passionate advocate for the rare and endangered flora and birds. 
​Mick and Lyn, UK.

This was the best afternoon we have spent since being in NZ! an amazing magical time! The only downside is the afternoon was too short!!!  Outstanding!!! 
​Todd, Canada

Wonderful experience, knowledgeable guide.  Very organized. Sandy was very personable and had a great knowledge of bird calls as well as everything else about Ulva and its flora and fauna. When she knew we were looking for one bird specially, she made sure to point it out.
Alison B

I must say [Ulva Island] was amongst the most magic time that we had in NZ. Time and things we do together as a couple are precious now, so when there is a magic majestic place like Ulva Island revealed to us by someone with knowledge and passion that you have for the place, it is just perfect.
​Glynn & David, Australia

"..I just wanted to say that your guided walk around Ulva Island was the highlight of our NZ tour. We have always used guides in our many travels around the world and I have to let you know that, in comparison to other guided trips, your walk has surpassed anything we have experienced before. You have an outstanding ability to pass on humour, history and education in such a way that we have not been able to go for another walk without noticing everything you have shown us to look for. The best thing you have done for us is to make us realise our beautiful environment and pass this on to others. Thank you, and we are sending everyone we know to your Island - but not all at once!" 
SJW, Canada

NORTH & SOUTH MAGAZINE
Exploring Stewart Island and its wildlife, one picture at a time by Gareth Eyres - 14 June 2018
​"Welcome to tourism, wildlife style. Not a bungee jump, souvenir shop or cafe in sight, and the visitors are babbling with excitement."
Not many people get to be named after an island. Ulva Goodwillie is one of them. She’s also a direct descendant of the first Māori people of Rakiura/Stewart Island, where she still lives – and where her namesake, Ulva Island, nestles in the arms of Waka ā Te Wera (Paterson Inlet). Read the full article

Matt Jones and Ulva Goodwillie with Mark Carwardine's crew in 2011 at Ulva Island - filming for the "Small 5" documentary to put New Zealand on the wildlife tourism map.