ULVA ISLAND Nature Sanctuary - STEWART ISLAND - Rakiura National Park
"Wilderness adventures for discerning travellers with natural history and birding highlights."

We offer "off the beaten track" wilderness adventures on Ulva Island and Stewart Island, in New Zealand's deep south, for discerning individuals in small groups. Our focus is local and New Zealand natural and cultural history, opportunities to view kiwi and rare and threatened native birds and plants in the wild.

"...The face of the earth is changing so rapidly that soon, in temperate regions at any rate, there will be little of primitive Nature left. In the Old World it is practically gone for ever. Here, then is Stewart Island's prime advantage, and one hard to overestimate. It is an actual piece of the primeval world...."

" It is hard to speak of the scenery of Stewart Island without using a superabundance of superlatives...." Dr Leonard Cockayne, Botanist (reporting on Stewart Island in 1909).

"A magical place and superb guiding. A fitting climax to a marvellous six weeks in New Zealand. And a kiwi too. Thank you, Furhana, for a morning I'm unlikely ever to forget." R Gilbert - UK

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For unique experiences in small groups with personal attention from friendly professional guides, explore Ulva Island, Stewart Island and Rakiura National Park with Ruggedy Range™ Wilderness Experience, a local ecotourism operator. Established 8 years ago and owned and operated by Furhana (BSc Hons Geography), we offer genuine natural history & bird watching trips, which come highly recommended. Informative commentary is provided on fauna, flora, conservation and Maori & European History relevant to each trip.

We specialise in Guided Nature Walks, Guided Hikes, Treks, Kiwi Spotting, Bird Watching and Sea Kayaking Trips. We also operate a Shuttle Tour, a Shuttle Service and offer Water Taxi bookings and Scenic Boat Trips. We have a brand new custom built vessel "Aihe" launched in December 2007 (see Our News). All our services are Qualmark Endorsed.

Depending on the trip, we travel along bays, through primeval forests, wetlands, dunes and wild beaches, to sub-alpine tops with spectacular views and across crystal clear waters.... Our trips offer excellent photography opportunities.

Our most popular trip on predator-free, nature sanctuary, Ulva Island - Birds & Forest© is a must do for any visitor, especially bird watchers, plant enthusiasts and New Zealander's keen to learn about their country. A excellent educational trip. Enjoy an easy walk in primeval forest, superb birdsong and close encounters with endangered and rare New Zealand birds and birds unique to Stewart Island.

Discover native trees and plants, and orchids in season. Enjoy lush tree ferns, delicate ground ferns and mosses. Learn about practical and medicinal uses of trees and plants.

Our trips on Ulva Island are either 4 or 8 hours, shorter by arrangement. We spend more time on Ulva Island, take you further and show you more so you get the best out of your visit!

Kiwi Journey© another popular trip - far more than just a kiwi spotting trip - journey in the footsteps of kiwi to Mason Bay for night time kiwi viewing under splendid southern stars. Occasional day sightings will leave you in awe! View an array of ecosystems from east to west coast from Inlet, through wetland and wild, west coast beach with stunning dune environment. Other birdlife and rare plants and some orchids (subject to season) may also be viewed. Experience a night in a backcountry hut.

We are a small business based in Stewart Island and are totally committed to ensuring that you have a quality experience that stems from our local knowledge. We are proud to be a Stewart Island, wholly owned and operated business that is recognised for its personal, friendly service, see our Comments page. We want to ensure that your visit is enjoyable and memorable. Our clients of mixed professions and ages come from the different cultures and countries of the world, many becoming new-found friends.

To enjoy Stewart Island's peacefulness, rugged timeless beauty and natural wilderness environment is an absolute privilege and a reminder of what we have lost in much of the world. We are very committed to the environment and although we are a small business, we donate some of our revenue into a conservation fund to assist with conservation and research. We are also a member of Green Globe and strive for responsible and sustainable tourism. See About Us for more information.

Our Birds & Forest Booking Office based in Stewart Island, situated 20 - 30 minutes coastal walk out of the main township, is the only dedicated booking office offering our tours and services and a one-stop travel agency for travel (flights, ferry), accommodation and other activity bookings within Stewart Island and Southland.

Tours operate all year round and in winter subject to prior bookings. We are a small business and prior bookings before visiting Stewart Island are essential all year round.

For the best and most comprehensive advise on our tours and services, please contact us directly. No one else knows our business like we do! Our office is open 7 days a week - ph: 64 3 219 1066 to talk to our friendly staff or send us an email: mail@ruggedyrange.com.

We welcome you to come and enjoy this special part of New Zealand, and share the beauty of the place we call home....