Discover Ulva Island's Bird Sanctuary
Located near Oban on Rakiura / Stewart Island, Ulva Island is a haven for bird enthusiasts seeking sightings of rare native land birds. This sanctuary has very diverse native birdlife, including tīeke (saddleback), mohua (yellowhead), kiwi, native robins, parakeets, tītitipounamu (rifleman), and weka. While you might spot kākā, kererū, and korimako in Oban, Ulva Island provides an opportunity to encounter these extra-rare species.
Exploring Ulva Island
A short boat trip from Golden Bay, which is about a kilometre south of the Oban ferry terminal, will take you to Ulva Island. The island is primarily forested and features easy loop tracks ranging from 3 to 4 km. These trails connect Flagstaff Point, West End Beach, and Boulder Beach, allowing you to explore the island's natural beauty at a leisurely pace over 1 to 2 hours.
Historical Significance of Flagstaff Bay
Flagstaff Bay on Ulva Island is historically significant. From 1872 to 1923, the local postmaster would raise a flag here to signal the arrival of the mail boat to communities around Patterson Inlet. The bay once had extensive gardens, including exotic tree species, some of which still survive today. It is the best spot to have a picnic after a walk.
Ulva Island's Conservation Legacy
The tracks on Ulva Island were first established in the 1880s, and in 1922, it became New Zealand's first scenic reserve. While the original postmaster’s 7-hectare homestead remains privately owned, the Department of Conservation (DOC) manages the rest of the island, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Getting to Ulva Island
To reach Ulva Island, walk to Golden Bay, located about a kilometre south of the Oban ferry terminal. From there, you can take a short boat trip to the island.
While on Rakiura, you can walk several short connected tracks around the coast and through forests near Oban, take a day walk on the Rakiura Track, or explore Mason Bay and the North West Circuit Track.
