#1 RATED TOUR IN STEWART ISLAND

Discover a wilderness experience like no other.

SMALL GROUPS • PERSONALISED EXPERIENCES • Environmental focus • PASSIONATE LOCAL GUIDES • LONGER TOURS • QUALITY TIME
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 2000

We offer “off the beaten track” wilderness adventures, like no other, on Ulva Island and Stewart Island / Rakiura National Park, in New Zealand’s deep south for discerning clients 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. We bring our in-depth local knowledge - gained from operating and developing our tours since 2000, to ensure we provide the best Stewart Island tours, the best Ulva Island guided walks and the best Stewart Island kiwi spotting tours on offer.

Get the most from your Stewart Island / Rakiura experience and Ulva Island experience and take part in one of our guided walks along with our kiwi spotting tour.  We also offer some fabulous Stewart Island boat cruises to get up close to nature, wildlife and scenery.

Stewart Island / Rakiura (meaning 'land of the glowing skies') is a bird watcher's paradise.  We have a high concentration of wild kiwi along with a number of endemic and native birds.  Our forests are some of the least modified in New Zealand.  Our waterways are largely pristine.

Join Ruggedy Range Wilderness Experience on a Stewart Island and Ulva Island tour and discover the unique bird species and plant life endemic to New Zealand.  Along the way you will also experience unforgettable coastal scenery, primitive forests, untouched beaches and warm hospitality as we discover and explore the wilderness of Rakiura.

Knowledgeable Guides and Informative Tours

Much more than a whistle stop tour of the local highlights, your passionate local guides know Stewart Island / Rakiura's natural and cultural history like no one else to ensure you get a meaningful experience.

Our groups are small and our tours are in-depth and never rushed.  Every tour is unique, personalised for the individuals participants and filled with memorable moments.  You will learn about rare and endangered birdlife and have the opportunity to meet a number of our feathered inhabitants for yourself.  Your guides will help you appreciate our unique and endemic plant life including orchids in season.

Take part in a birding tour of Ulva Island, an evening kiwi spotting trip, or perhaps stay with us for a little longer on one of our overnight hiking trips.  Take a look at our full list of tours for some inspiration.

We also offer guided boat cruises allowing you to get up close to our marine wildlife, as well as some of the Island's lesser visited bays and coves.

Longer Tours - Quality Time

Our tours are generally longer, offering you more time and better value for your money. 

Locally Owned and Operated Since 2000

We have been operating and developing tours in this extraordinary part of the world for over 22 years.  Our knowledge of Stewart Island / Rakiura and Ulva Island, its history, culture and wildlife is second to none.

Our vast experience allows us to offer fantastic value, an honest and personal service and a wilderness experience like no other.  Join us on your next Stewart Island experience - we look forward to meeting you and welcome you to share in the beauty of the place we call home. Get in touch.

COVID 19 Update

We are operating our tours and services and following COVID-19 regulations under the new traffic light system.  We are currently at the "Red Traffic Light" setting.  All participants on our tours and services will require a vaccine pass, show their ID and must wear an approved face mask.  Thank you for your understanding. 

We have an up to date COVID-19 Health & Safety Plan and Qualmark COVID-Clean approval. Our staff are fully vaccinated. 

Specials Offers

We have created a range of custom tours combining some of our most popular trips in Stewart Island and Ulva Island for visitors with limited time. Our Discover + series is shown on our Gift Vouchers & Special Offers page. We hope you like them.  

What others had to say

Expert knowledge and great birds

"We were so lucky to have chosen Furhana to guide us on Ulva Island. Not only was she an excellent bird guide but her knowledge of plants and other animals was outstanding."

Australia
Take a walk with the Bird Whisperer

"This tour is beyond excellent. Owner and Tour Guide Furhana is so knowledgeable and so dedicated to teaching and showing you birds, trees, and fauna on Ulva Island."

USA
A walk in (damp) glory

"Furhana led our party through the majesty of the pristine rainforest, ears and eyes attuned to the environment. She knew every birdcall, every tiny plant, every massive tree, and her knowledge and passion flowed out and into us all."

Australia

Popular Tours

We offer a variety of tours to suit different interests, abilities and timeframes. Take time to check our options - we can also help with recommendations. Some of our most popular tours include:

Ulva Island Birds & Forest
Evening Eco Watch / Kiwi Spotting
Kiwi Journey
Rakiura Great Walk
Paterson Inlet Wildlife Cruise
Scenic Cruise & Norwegian Whalers' Base Guided Walk