How long is the water taxi ride from Golden Bay to Ulva Island?

The water taxi ride takes approximately five minutes each way.

Can I buy food or drinks on Ulva Island?

No, there are no facilities on the island; visitors must bring their own provisions.

Are guided walks available once on Ulva Island?

Yes, Rakiura Adventure Ltd offers guided walks, or you can freely walk the marked trails at your own pace.

Is the water taxi suitable for people with mobility issues?

This service is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with severe back injuries due to potential boat movement.

How long should I plan to spend on Ulva Island?

We recommend a minimum of 2.5 to 3 hours to adequately enjoy the island’s trails and wildlife.

Do I need to book the water taxi in advance?

Yes, booking in advance is required as Ulva Island is a day-trip destination with limited boat capacity.

Water Taxi to Ulva Island with Rakiura Adventure Ltd

Located in the remote reaches of Southland’s Stewart Island / Rakiura region, the Water Taxi from Golden Bay to Ulva Island offers one of New Zealand’s purest encounters with untouched coastal wilderness. Operated by Rakiura Adventure Ltd, this swift five-minute boat ride from Golden Bay Road in Oban transports visitors to Ulva Island, a pest-free sanctuary renowned for its thriving native birdlife and lush rainforest trails. Ulva Island is unique in its status as a pest-free sanctuary, allowing rare species such as kiwi, saddlebacks, and yellowheads to flourish. The island’s carefully maintained walking tracks wind through dense native bush, revealing towering rimu and rata trees, fern gullies, and moss-covered boulders that create a vibrant, living ecosystem. Whether you opt for a leisurely self-guided stroll or join one of the knowledgeable guided walks offered by Rakiura Adventure Ltd, the experience delivers an intimate window into New Zealand’s pre-settlement forest environment. This day-trip opportunity stands out in the local outdoor adventure landscape as one of the few accessible routes to an unspoiled island refuge, just minutes from the main township of Oban. Rakiura Adventure Ltd has carved out a reputation for combining convenience, safety, and respect for the environment—ensuring all travelers enjoy the island’s delicate ecology with minimal impact. From bird calls to pristine beaches, the water taxi service here is more than transport; it’s a gateway to one of Stewart Island’s most treasured natural escapes. Visitors should plan for at least 2.5 to 3 hours on Ulva Island to fully appreciate the terrain and wildlife. The boat departs from a quiet wharf on Golden Bay Road, requiring a short walk or drive from Oban’s center. Packing adequate footwear, food, and weather-appropriate clothing ensures a comfortable, rewarding visit. With stringent biosecurity measures, Ulva Island invites you to witness New Zealand’s native wilderness as it once existed—raw, rich, and waiting to be discovered.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2.5–3 hours on Ulva Island plus 5-minute boat ride each way.

Fitness level

Suitable for most fitness levels; moderate walking on well-maintained trails

Wildlife

Southern brown kiwi
Stewart Island saddleback (tieke)

History

Ulva Island was designated a predator-free sanctuary in the 1990s, setting a benchmark for ecological restoration in New Zealand.

Conservation

Stringent biosecurity practices protect Ulva Island’s pest-free status, making every visitor a partner in conservation.

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.

Base locationOban, Southland Region

Tours offered16+

Specialtywater-activities

StewardshipLeave No Trace

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