Finish your Ulva Island adventure with a swift and scenic water taxi ride to Golden Bay Wharf. Rakiura Adventure Ltd offers a five-minute trip that blends dramatic coastal views with convenient travel.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 minutes
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for all ages
Wildlife
History
Ulva Island was declared a predator-free reserve in 1997 to protect native bird populations and restore original forest habitats.
Conservation
Strict visitor limits and day-trip only access help maintain Ulva Island’s fragile ecosystem, with Rakiura Adventure Ltd partnering in sustainable transport solutions.
Rakiura Adventure Ltd
Finish your Ulva Island adventure with a swift and scenic water taxi ride to Golden Bay Wharf. Rakiura Adventure Ltd offers a five-minute trip that blends dramatic coastal views with convenient travel.
Rakiura Adventure Ltd is a Stewart Island–based operator located in Oban, Southland Region, providing water‑taxi transfers, scenic cruises, and guided access to key tramping tracks and island destinations.
The company operates short, scheduled water‑taxi services and private transfers to locations including Fred’s Camp, Port William, North‑Arm Hut, Rakeahua River, Freshwater River and Golden Bay / Ulva Island, enabling trampers to shorten multi‑day routes such as the North‑West Circuit and Southern Circuit.
In addition to practical track access, Rakiura Adventure Ltd runs half‑day and full‑day scenic and wildlife cruises around Paterson Inlet and Halfmoon Bay, as well as classic village boat tours around Oban aboard the vessel Ranui. Cruises include optional shore excursions and light snacks, and pelagic wildlife tours are offered for bird and marine‑life viewing.
Rakiura Adventure Ltd is featured on The Adventure Collective, and the business focuses on reliable transfers, clear departure times, and local navigational knowledge of tidal conditions. Service options include pack transfers, flexible departures, and short crossings to Ulva Island’s pest‑free sanctuary.
Safety practices follow local maritime regulations, and vessels are crewed by skippers familiar with Stewart Island waters. The company’s operations support efficient trip planning by shortening multi‑day treks by up to two days at certain drop‑off points, and provide scenic day‑walk and wildlife viewing alternatives for visitors to Oban. Rakiura Adventure Ltd is a practical, locally based choice for island access and coastal exploration.
Booking details and departure information are available via local visitor centres and the company's listing on The Adventure Collective.
Location
Oban, Southland
Base for all departures
Tours Offered
16
Water‑taxi and cruises
Transfer Times
5–40 mins
Fast access to tracks & islands
Classic Vessel
Ranui
Oban village boat tour
Shorten multi‑day treks, explore Ulva Island, or book a wildlife cruise from Oban — check schedules and reserve transfers through the listing on The Adventure Collective.
Arrive Early
Be at Post Office Bay at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure to ensure prompt boarding.
Pack Light
Carry minimal gear to easily board and exit the small water taxi quickly and comfortably.
Weather Check
Monitor local weather conditions as rough seas can affect water taxi schedules and safety.
Confirm Return Booking
Ulva Island requires day-trip visitors to book same-day return with the water taxi to comply with access rules.
Windbreaker jacket
Protects against cool sea breezes during the water crossing.
all
Sunscreen
Essential to guard exposed skin during sunny rides.
summer
Waterproof bag
Keeps belongings dry if weather shifts mid-trip.
spring|fall|winter
Binoculars
Enhances wildlife and coastline viewing during the crossing.
all