Trees and ferns on Ulva Island
View of ocean from Ulva Island
View from West End Beach on Ulva Island
Seal on Ulva Island West End Beach
Beach on Ulva Island
Beach on Ulva Island with low clouds
Small island in distance seen from beach
Weka bird walking on beach
Rocks in water
Distant island seen from beach
Beach view
Sydney Cove
Near boat port
Yellow-eyed penguin in water near Ulva Island
Yellow-eyed penguin on rocks
Background
On Sunday, February 26th, 2023 I took a water taxi from Golden Bay Wharf on New Zealand's Stewart Island to Ulva Island. Here I hiked alone as quickly as I could to all the various beaches on the hiking paths before returning on the boat at noon.
Itinerary
- 8:25AM - Departing from Golden Bay Wharf, I was on the boat to Ulva Island (the tour wasn't supposed to start until 8:45AM but everyone was there and ready to depart before the scheduled time)
- 8:35AM - I arrived at Ulva Island. From here I had the option of either exploring on my own or joining a guided tour. The guided tour moved very slow and gave lots of details on the birds of the island. I opted to walk on my own so I could explore as much as possible before the noon departure.
- 9:03AM - I arrived at West End Beach. Here I saw a sea lion up close.
- 9:36AM - I arrived at Boulder Beach, to the south of West End Beach. Here I again noticed a sea lion, this time in the bushes.
- 10:24AM - I arrived at Sydney Cove, at the Ulva Island Te Wharawhara, Marine Reserve.
- 10:51AM - I arrived at the top of Flagstaff Point, which had an overlook over the surrounding area.
- 11:01AM - I walked back to the dock nearby.
- 12:07PM - The boat departed Ulva Island. On the water taxi back, the boat crew spotted a Yellow-eyed penguin. This is the rarest penguin in the world. One memeber of the boat crew said that this was their first sighting of one during the year.
Booking
I booked my trip to Ulva Island through Stewart Island Flights as an add-on activity. They are the only company which does flight to Ulva Island.
Summary
Overall, Ulva Island is a unique place to visit to see birds and other wildlife. It offers beaches, hiking and is an Open Island Sanctuary. On the island I saw green parakeets despite my fast walking. The only way to explore all the hiking paths was by moving quickly alone.
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