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- Feeding of Kaka in Stewart Island
We are sad to see that feeding of kaka (wild parrots) is widespread in Oban Village. We do not approve of feeding of Kaka or other wildlife in Stewart Island or Ulva Island and continue to discourage visitors from feeding them. We handed one dead kaka to the Department of Conservation but have not received any feedback. It is likely that the kaka was electrocuted whilst hanging around in the area waiting for handouts. Since then another dead kaka has been found.
- Mark Cowardine, UK Zoologist visits Stewart Island November 2011
We were planned to guide Mark Cowardine to Mason Bay to watch kiwi, but sadly our trip was cancelled due to some odd circumstances. We understand that Mark Cowardine had a fabulous time in Stewart Island. Mark Cowardine and Stephen Fry were involved in filming kakapo on Codfish Island several years ago.
- Ulva Island
Although the odd rat reaches Ulva Island each year, the existing trapping system has managed to keep Ulva Island free of a population of breeding rats, that is, until July 2010 when evidence of rats was found and later it was confirmed that rats were breeding. This has been a disaster given the years of effort put into making Ulva Island rat-free and the release of rare and endangered birds that are prone to predation.
The Department of Conservation opted for aerial poisoning which was carried out on 18th August 2011 and 20th September 2011. It will take several years of monitoring before Ulva Island is again declared rat-free. The rat invasion has had an impact on the bird population. The aerial poisoning may result in 40% or more drop in the bird population due to direct and secondary poisoning.
Some good news is that so far rats have not been found in traps which have been strategically placed around Ulva Island.
Ulva Island is fully open to the public to visit and our tours are operating as usual. Please see our Trip Reports if you would like an indication of our experience on Ulva Island.
- Visitor Numbers
Visitor numbers to New Zealand and to Stewart Island have been lower this year due to the health of overseas economies. We are pleased to have those visitors who are still travelling and making it to our shores.
- Wildlife & Weather
We are into our formal summer months (December, January and February). After a fabulous six weeks of dry, sunny weather we now have very changeable weather from cold to cool and warm, windy and at times wet days. Many birds have finished breeding and there are lots of fledglings out and about. Many of the trees and plants have finished or are finishing flowering.
- British
Bird Fair August 2011
Our Auction Lot 82 for a Southern New Zealand
Birding Experience (including Stewart Island, Ulva Island, Otago
Peninsula and the Catlins) raised 800 British Pounds for the Bird Fair's "Airways Programme" for migratory birds. Congratulations to the successful bidders, who are now planning their visit to New Zealand.
- Bookings
& Enquiries
To ensure that our Visitors are always receiving accurate and
upto date information about our comprehensive tours and services:
- We only operate through our own Booking Office in Stewart Island.
- We do not operator through information centres or the New
Zealand I-Site Network.
- Some accommodation providers do not work with all operators.
- There is no independent Visitor Centre or Information Centre in Stewart Island.
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Ruggedy
Range™ Wilderness Experience
"Birds & Forest Booking Office"
Stewart Island - Travel & Activities
Cnr Main Rd & Dundee St,
P O Box 188, Stewart Island, NZ
Ph: 64 3 219 1066
Fax: 64 3 219 1078
Mob: 64 274 784 433
www.ruggedyrange.com
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For
all Enquiries, Bookings, please phone or contact: mail@ruggedyrange.com
Office now centrally located 1/2 minute walk from DOC office and 3 1/2
minutes walk from flight/ferry See
Map.
Guided Walks & Treks - Natural History Tours - Kiwi Spotting - Bird
Watching - Botany - Sea Kayaking
Boat Cruises & Charters - Water Taxi (operating Aihe Eco Charters
& Water Taxi)
Fully Licensed Shuttle & Shuttle Tours
Outdoor Clothing & Equipment
Travel Agency - Accommodation, Travel & Activity Bookings
STEWART ISLAND - ULVA ISLAND NATURE SANCTUARY
- RAKIURA NATIONAL PARK, NZ
Copyright 2002 - 2012, Ruggedy Range (Tm) - All rights reserved.
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