10 Things to do Good for Kids in Stewart Island That You Shouldn't Miss

Ulva Island is located on Stewart Island,New Zealand. A predator-free and picturesque island, it is an environmental treasure. Rare, endangered, endemic and native birds abound - it is also a botanist's dream in a pristine primeval forest environment. Ulva's Guided Walks is the Ulva Island specialist natural history guiding team that provides visitors with truly memorable experiences in this unique forest sanctuary. We provide personalised and small group experiences - and absolutely guarantee that you will love our southern-most bird sanctuary in the world!

Experience the unique beauty of Ulva Island and Stewart Island while going for a guided walk with Beaks and Feathers. Be entranced by abundant and colourful birdlife and the impressive forest of Ulva Island. Be taken in with the old charm of Stewart Island, and experience local walks or parts of the Rakiura Track. Beaks and Feathers specialise in small groups for a better experience

Cruise Stewart Island in affordable comfort & style! Offering tours and water taxi services to the Ulva Island bird sanctuary, Freshwater River, meet our stunning ocean birds such as Albatross and Yellow-Eyed Penguins up close and personal on a Pelagic Birding Tour, come dolphin and seal spotting, or explore the historic Norwegian Whaler's Base. Our tour vessel is equipped with bathroom, kitchenette, lounge-style seating and a heated cabin, this is cruising in style! Our brand new water taxi seats up to 19 passengers and also features a heated cabin, toilet and excellent viewing, designed especially to maximise your Stewart Island experience!

Stewart Island - amazing sea kayak destination. Explore the pristine clear waters with amazing marine life, bays and sandy beaches. We often see penguins, marine mammals and mollymawk/albatross. 2½ hour, half day or full day tours, twilight paddles (sunset!), sea kayak hire/expeditions. Personal guiding - tours tailored for all levels of experience. Your safety and enjoyment is my priority.

Explore picturesque Stewart Island in style on our Eco-friendly electric bikes. You can travel at your own pace around our 30 km of roads, stop and see the amazing scenery and wildlife, and go to places you never would have explored before. The terrain of the island is made easy by the assistance of an electric motor helping you bike around with ease and speed.

Adventure is allowing the unexpected happen to you! Experience Ulva Island - the pristine forested island and one of few predator-free sanctuaries in New Zealand- and the unique beauty of Paterson Inlet. Freedom Tours, guided walks and sight seeing with the Ulva Island Ferry for those who prefer the charm of a vintage wooden ferry or with a fast pace custom built vessel.

Stewart Island Experience operates daily ferry service between Bluff and Stewart Island all year around. Stewart Island is New Zealand's ultimate eco-tourism destination and the location of Rakiura National Park. During the one hour ferry crossing, keep a look out for the Mollymawks (Albatross) that often follow the vessel. Daily coach connections operate between Bluff and Invercargill, and in summer also to Te Anau and Queenstown (summer only).

Explore Oban village and its surrounding bays on a minibus tour with a local guide. This tour provides an intriguing insight into how Stewart Island’s tiny community survives – and thrives – while living in the heart of the ‘Roaring Forties.” From the entrance of the Rakiura National Park at beautiful Lee Bay, up to Observation Rock for panoramic views of Paterson Inlet and off-shore islands. Ideal for first time visitors to the island.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise of beautiful Paterson Inlet, viewing hidden coves and beaches including a visit to the Ulva Island – a renowned wildlife sanctuary. An on-board nature guide provides commentary throughout the cruise and leads a 45 minute walk through part of the Ulva Island. This island is home to abundant birdlife, including some of New Zealand’s most rare and precious plant species. Departs: Oban. (Previously named Paterson Inlet Cruises).

The Bunkhouse Theatre shows a quirky 40minute film about Stewart Island, titled A LOCAL'S TAIL. A Local's Tail introduces local characters, community colour, and the struggles and triumphs of the island pioneers, both past and present. Producers, Pete Davis and Penny Golias, hope to answer the myriad of questions that holiday makers have about the 'why' and 'how' of Stewart Island, from the most reliable of all sources - the pub (or more accurately, from the yarns overheard at the pub by a local dog). The film shows everyday throughout the summer. See the board outside for daily session times.