Paterson Inlet & Ulva Island Combo Tours

Paterson Inlet Cruises, & Ulva Island Combos

Contact us to learn about our Paterson Inlet Mini Cruises, selecting from the historical Whaler’s Base, the Big Glory Bay Marine Farms, or a Wildlife Cruise, combined with a flexible freedom walk on the Ulva Island open bird sanctuary. Our friendly team can talk you through booking a return time to Golden Bay that suits you.

For more information about Ulva Island, click here. 

Stewart Island Combo Tours

Freshwater River Scenic & Ulva Island Combo Tour

Generally available only in the winter season, as we must prioritise trampers requiring track transport on this service, but please get in touch to enquire.

Enjoy a 1.5 hour vessel-based scenic cruise up the winding Freshwater River; the perfect way to explore a unique part of the island without the tramping. Fascinating commentary will help you appreciate the historical and geographical sites in Paterson Inlet including the Rakiura National Park, the Ruggedy Ranges, Freshwater Inlet and Mason Bay.

Combine this tour with a discovery of the Ulva Island open bird sanctuary.

Marine Farms & Ulva Island Combo Tour

Learn about our fascinating aquaculture industry, farming salmon, mussels and oysters on this 1 hour cruise around Big Glory Bay. Enjoy the opportunity to spot dolphins, yellow-eyed penguins and other wildlife before your walk at the unique Ulva Island open bird sanctuary.

Whaler’s Base History & Ulva Island Combo Tour

Between 1923 and 1933 the Ross Sea Whaling Company of Norway made 9 expeditions to Antarctica while using a base in Paterson Inlet. The ‘Whaler’s Base’ was used to repair the whaler chasers in between seasons. View the relics from the boat, including the old rusty workshop boiler and foundations of the slipway. Best enjoyed at low tide, but this tour may only be available outside of high tide due to scheduling factors.

Add on a stroll the Ulva Island open bird sanctuary. If you would like to disembark at the Whaler’s Base or Millar’s Beach with a later pick up, contact us for schedule options and rates.

Wildlife & Ulva Island Combo

Meet our local wildlife up close and personal on this fully commentated 1 hour tour as we cruise around the stunning Southern Bays of Paterson Inlet. Wildlife spotting opportunities include Bottlenose dolphins, Yellow-Eyed Penguins, and NZ Sea Lions and more. Travel through the Ulva Island/ Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve, and learn about its unique and fascinating marine habitats.

Select the Ulva Island Combo option to finish your experience with a walk at the Ulva Island sanctuary.

2hr Combos

Select two of any of the 1-hour Tours above to create your own itinerary of Stewart Island/ Rakiura’s highlights!

Custom 2hr Combos also available with an Ulva Island freedom walk add-on.

Please fill our enquiry form or give our friendly team a call to book one of our combo tours.

What to bring on our Combo Tours

• Warm, comfortable clothing including raincoat if desired
• Binoculars, camera
• Personal water bottle