Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Ulva Island Nature Reserve is a 270-hectare (approximately 667 acres) island located within Paterson Inlet off the southern coast of Stewart Island/Rakiura in New Zealand’s Southland region. Protected as a predator-free sanctuary since 1997, the island supports one of the country’s most accessible and intact native bird habitats. The island’s dense temperate rainforest is home to some of New Zealand’s rarest and most endangered bird species, including the kiwi, yellowhead (mohua), saddleback (tīeke), hihi (stitchbird), and tieke, as well as diverse native plants and insects. Ulva Island’s pest eradication program has allowed native birdlife to flourish in an environment free from introduced predators such as rats, stoats, and possums.
Visitors come primarily for wildlife viewing, particularly the close encounters with endemic birds that are normally shy or nocturnal. Its well-maintained network of walking tracks, totaling about 7 miles, caters to all levels of walkers, providing peaceful strolls through lush forest and along coastal edges. The island also offers exceptional teaching and educational value about conservation success and New Zealand’s natural heritage.
There are no camping facilities or overnight stays allowed on the island, ensuring its protection and tranquil atmosphere. Access is by boat from Oban on Stewart Island, making the trip part of the adventure. Ulva Island is a highlight destination within Fiordland National Park’s broader wilderness and a top choice for eco-tourists, bird researchers, and anyone interested in New Zealand’s unique ecosystems.
