Paterson Inlet & Ulva Island Combo Tours

NEW Paterson Inlet Discovery Cruise, & Ulva Island Add-On

Join our brand new Discovery Cruise for Stewart Island’s most comprehensive journey exploring Paterson Inlet’s (Te Whaka a Te Wera) unique natural and Māori history, wildlife, aquaculture and scenery.

This 3.5-hour experience departs daily during our summer period (and on demand for groups) from Oban’s central Halfmoon Bay wharf.

Fare: $135pa, $89pc, valid through to end Sep 2023. From 1 Oct 2023 this fare will be changing to $150pa, and remaining at $89pc.

We offer two options if you would like to combine an Ulva Island freedom walk with this exciting new cruise:

a) Select our Ulva Island on demand experience to enjoy on a different day, and save 10% on your whole cart with our Multi-Day Pass. Contact us TO REDEEM YOUR DISCOUNT. Fare: Additional $30pa, $15pc. Our Port William Cruise & Walk is also eligible for the Multi-Day Pass special.

b) Contact us to select the Ulva Island Add-On, to tack on a flexible freedom walk directly after your cruise on the same day. Our friendly team can talk you through booking a return time to Golden Bay that suits you. Fare: Additional $15pa, $10pc.

For more information about Ulva Island, click here. 

Other Stewart Island Combo Tours

Freshwater River Scenic & Ulva Island Combo Tour

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 freedom discovery of the Ulva Island open bird sanctuary.

Fare: $110pa, $55pc.

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 freedom walk at the unique Ulva Island open bird sanctuary.

Fare: $100pa, $50pc, increasing to $105pa from 1 Oct 2023.

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 on a flexible freedom walk. 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.

Fare: $100pa, $50pc, increasing to $105pa from 1 Oct 2023.

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 flexible freedom walk at the Ulva Island sanctuary.

Fare: $100pa, $50pc, increasing to $105pa from 1 Oct 2023.

2hr Combos

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

Fare: $130pa, $70pc, increasing to $145pa and $72.50pc from 1 Oct 2023.

Custom 2hr Combos also available with an Ulva Island freedom walk add-on: $150pa, $75pc, increasing to $170pa and $82.50pc from 1 Oct 2023.

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