Golden Bay - Ulva Island (IB)

Ulva Island/ Te Wharawhara is the world’s southern-most open bird sanctuary. Declared pest-free in 1997, the island features easy walks through ancient forest and beautiful beaches, where rare plants and endangered birds thrive in the absence of mammalian predators.

Enjoy a unique opportunity to spot Stewart Island robin, kakariki, saddleback, mohua (yellowhead), and, if you’re lucky, Stewart Island Brown Kiwi (Tokoeka).

Our departure point for Ulva Island is from the Golden Bay wharf, a 15 minute walk from the main village of Oban (Halfmoon Bay).

For your interest, there are Ulva Island Guide Booklets available for purchase from our booking office (10 Main Rd) or from the Ulva wharf (cost goes to the Ulva Island Charitable Trust). The guide contains a map of the walking tracks, historical information as well as a plant and bird guide.

There are no shops on Ulva Island so you should take lunch/ snacks and water with you. There are also no rubbish bins on Ulva – please take all your rubbish off the island with you. Ulva is also a pest free sanctuary – it is good practice to check your packs and shoes for rats and seeds before boarding the water taxi.