Ulva Island Ferry & Water Taxi – Stewart Island

Stewart Island Water Taxi Service & Passenger Ferry to Ulva Island

Rakiura Adventures is your one-stop shop for unforgettable adventures in Stewart Island/Rakiura. We offer a variety of services to help you experience the island’s stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history.

Here’s what we offer:

• Ulva Island Ferry: Take a scenic journey to Ulva Island, a predator-free sanctuary teeming with birdlife and lush rainforests. Ideal for Bird watching.
• Our convenient daily ferries (peak season) allow you to explore this natural wonder at your own pace. (No bookings required!)
• Multi-Day Walking Taxi Services: Reach remote track locations on Stewart Island with our reliable water taxi transfers. Whether you’re tackling the Rakiura Track, conquering the North-West Circuit, or venturing to the Southern Circuit, we’ll get you there comfortably and efficiently.
• Hiking & Hunting Transfers: We offer tailored transfers for both hikers and hunters, ensuring you reach your starting point refreshed and ready for your adventure.

Rakiura Adventures caters to all types of explorers. Whether you seek a relaxed wildlife encounter on Ulva Island or a challenging multi-day trek on Stewart Island, we have the perfect solution for you.

Start planning your unforgettable adventure today! Contact: Rakiura Adventures and let us help you discover the magic of Stewart Island.
D.O.C approved

Ulva Island Ferry – Freedom Walk Ulva Island at your own pace

Scheduled ferry service to Ulva Island, departing Golden Bay Wharf – look for the blue boat  
No bookings required for scheduled trips.

Ranui – Ulva Island Ferry, & Kaian – water taxi operate every day in main season – Self-guiding booklets available and our friendly knowledgeable ferry skipper will give you an introductory talk before disembarking at Ulva Island.

• Scheduled departures: 9:00am – 10:00 am – 12:00pm – 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm 
• Scheduled returns: 12:15 pm – 2:15 pm – 4:15 pm * please contact for other times 
  

  *Ferry closed in Winter, only water-taxi available over Winter.

N.B.  Please arrive approx 15 minutes prior to scheduled departures.
                No bookings required for scheduled trips.  Cash/Eftpos  Only

Fares:

• Adult $20 return
• Child $10 return
• Under 5yrs Free

Departures at other times available, please call to arrange.  Fare for unscheduled departures: $25 per person (minimum x2).  

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Explore Ulva Island by Water Taxi 

Kaian – built by stabicraft, and designed by a local Stewart Islander, is a versatile vessel, capable of beach-landings, traversing shallow waters, & safe when caught in the rough. Kaian has shown many visitors and local islanders some of the very best Stewart Island/Rakiura has to offer. 

Stewart Island/Rakiura is home to a wide variety of protected marine mammals and bird species, this is seen in a rich marine biodiversity, including the greatest diversity of seaweeds in all of NZ. All of these make our waters an exciting experience through exploration. Let us give you a unique perspective of Stewart Island not achievable standing on dry-land. During our tour you never quite know what to expect, from coastline to coastline, penguins to petrels, seaweeds to sealions, dolphins and driftwoods, this scenic is all about discovering that which calls the ocean its home.

Duration: 1 hr  (weather dependent)
Departure Times:  morning & afternoon
Price:  From $60 pp (minimum 2pp) (children Under 15 years are $30pp)
Small Groups:  2 – 8 people

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Exploring Ulva Island by Land and Sea 

Be one of the few to experience an exclusive two and a half hour guided walk before circumnavigating Ulva Island in the Ulva Island water taxi for 1 hour, to gain a unique perspective of the island not achievable from land.

Times: 3.5 – 4hrs (Weather dependent)
Price:  From $200 per person (2 person minimum); $110 (12 years old & under)
Small Groups: 2 – 8 people
(*departure time can be changed to suit)

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The Historic Norwegian Whaler’s Base – New Zealand’s First Marine Heritage Site

Off-the-beaten-track: 20min from Golden Bay (departure point), be dropped off at Miller’s Beach and cross through old Rimu rich forest for this piece  of history that characterises Stewart Island’s diverse and rich history. Ship wreck, discarded massive propellers, an old Swedish boiler, factory foundations, and informational tablets, give the visitor an idea of what life was like in early 1900 flourishing Stewart Island settlement.  
It’s a very special site in terms of European and New Zealand history from the last century – in particular, the connection between Antarctica, New Zealand and Norway.

Duration: 2 hrs
Price: From $60 pp ($30 Under 15 years)
Small Groups:  2 – 8 people

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Stewart Island Water Taxi Tramping Transport

Prices for the following include one piece of baggage, i.e., pack, per tramper.
We encourage contact even if tramping alone, as there maybe others also wanting to go or be picked up.

Popular Huts connecting to North West Circuit
& Southern Circuit tracks:

Freshwater River – From $60 per person, minimum 2 people

• This hut connects to Masons Bay Hut, North-Arm Hut, & Fred’s Camp Hut.

Fred’s Camp – From $50 per person, minimum 2 people

• This hut connects to Rakeahua Hut, & Freshwater Hut

Great Walk Huts:

North Arm Hut – From $60 per person, minimum 2 people

• This hut connect to Freshwater River Hut, & Port William Hut.

Port William – From $50 per person, minimum 2 people

• This hut connects to North Arm Hut, & following North West Circuit huts

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Stewart Island Water Taxi For Hunters & Hunting Parties:

Please enquire directly for a quote customised for your group size and gear for the following Hunting Huts/Blocks:
Little Glory Cove, South Big Glory, Mid-Big Glory, North Big Glory, Hapuatuna, Abrahams Bay, South West Arm, Fred’s Camp, etc.

Phone Rakiura: NZ  027 289 8292            Email: [email protected]

Visit our Website:   rakiura.nz/