We took a water taxi $20 per person return, and spent four hours wandering around the tracks. The Guide Book $2, was helpful. We spotted lots of birds including the Robin, Kaka, Saddleback, Yellowhead, Parakeet, Fantail, Tui, Bellbird and Wekas. The wekas were down on the water and we turned over some rocks and they enjoyed the crabs underneath. The paths are well maintained, and the bush and beaches picturesque. There were toilets available. Bring a snack and a bottle of water with you.A lovely way to spend a few hours.
First off, Peter and Anita the owner/operators were very very good and the service/knowledge and information offered was great! We had 3 hours over on the Island and took in all the walks. Well worth the trip. We paid the extra $5 per person to pick a different return time.
Took a Stewart Island Experience Paterson Inlet and guided Ulva Island trip…very informative…the Mollymawks a joy to see…..should have organized more time on Ulva but will know another time.
$20.00 water taxi will bring you this amazing Island. Beautiful beaches, wildlife and plant life. Walk the entire Island at leisure and to do this you need about 3 hours. Walking tracks are in good condition . Best to go in the morning when the wildlife is most active. Its like listening to an orchestra of birds. absolutely serene.
Loved our visit to Ulva Island. Gentle walk with very informative guide. Saw endangered birds happy in their safe environment. Fantastic native plants and trees. Well worth the visit
I spent a morning on Ulva Island on one of Ulva's bird spotting guided tours. I am a complete novice but was enthralled with the variety of birds we got to see a and listen to. It is a beautiful place. Definitely worth going to and you'll get lots more from your visit if you go on the guided tour.
Great little trip started with the Ulva Island Water Taxi that leaves from Golden Bay. First was the booking sheet system that is used by (you rock up at the wharf and get your name on the list, but don't worry as the turn around is quite quick), and then those unique tickets you are issued with-you will have to do the trip to find out! then the skipper Pete is a great sort, full of information and very friendly and helpful. When you get there the birds are astounding. not enough room to describe all, but took heaps of photos, and the primo was seeing the rare saddleback. Easy to get around and spend 3 hours. If you are the route march type don't go-you need to take the time and stop frequently and listen to get the benefits. Also if you are the talkative type also don't go as you spoil it for the others.
The Guided Tour was worth it. Made it so much more interesting than when we did Ulva Island independently a few years ago.
We took a 9am ferry from Golden bay and were very lucky to catch a glimpse of dolphins that were passing by the inlet. Ulva island has very easy to walk footpath and curious robbins that will follow you along. Be extremely quiet and enjoy the sight and sound of the birds and surrounding. Its not uncommon to come across Kaka pecking at the log next to the footpath or hear a weka scuttling around. This is truly a reinvigorating retreat from cityscape.
Liked that they trying to grow native nz birds on Ulva,without threats.peter introduced me to fatso the robin