Full Day Land & Sea Bird Tour

Discover Stewart Island’s pelagic (ocean) and forest birds on this incredible full day combo tour

View our rare and endangered land birds on Ulva Island, either on your own or with a guide, then cruise the coastline of Stewart Island to view our stunning seabirds which are so accessible to our shores.

Tour Highlights:

• Morning Pelagic cruise around the Muttonbird Islands to view wild Petrels, Sooty Shearwaters (Tītī), striking albatross, plus Yellow-Eyed, Little Blue and Fiordland Crested penguins, Terns, Skua, Cormorants and more
• Then enjoy your 2-4 hour freedom walk at the Ulva Island bird sanctuary
• You are in experienced hands – we are a certified member of the New Zealand Birding Network with over 25 years’ experience
• Bonus opportunistic sightings may include bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and sea lions
• Small group size options available to ensure a highly personalised tour, plus a larger catamaran to suit larger groups with rooftop viewing deck
• On board toilet and heated cabin
• Vessels adapted for maximum wildlife viewing and photo opportunities, and close proximity to birds
• On-board species list and identification guide, detailed commentary from your expert, knowledgeable skipper

Ulva Island Guided Walk:

If you are considering a guided walk on Ulva Island in combination with our Pelagic Cruise, please contact Beaks & Feathers or Ulva’s Guided Walks for more information. Their experienced and passionate guides will help you learn about the rare native birds, their forest habitat and the cultural history of this very special place. Note that if your visit on Stewart Island allows, you are welcome to book the guided (or freedom) Ulva Island Walk, and the Pelagic Cruise, on two separate days.   

What to bring:

• Warm, comfortable clothing, including a windbreaker/ rain jacket and suitable closed footwear (no open footwear permitted on board)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Packed lunch (full day) plus any snacks you may like
• Personal water bottle

Find out more about the 2.5hr Pelagic Bird Tour

To make a booking, please fill in the enquiry form or call our friendly booking team.