Last Updated: 12th Sep 2024

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Ultimate Ulva

Bluff, Southland

Submitted by Tony Sharpe

Last Updated: 12th Sep 2024

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 16 ?

Gnarl Factor: 23 ?

5.9km

150m

150m

42m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Beach

Coastal

Run Makeup

75%
25%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +6.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -6.8%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:00

Slow

0:45

Moderate

0:30

Fast

Ulva Island is the gem in Rakiura/Stewart Island's highly glittering crown. It is an amazing place and is the result of much hard work. A few hours spent exploring this Island will change you, and give you a taste of what all of NZ must have been like before the arrival of humans. Its basically a modern living ark.

Once you've organised your boat travel across from Oban and the Steward Island "mainland" head over and put aside as much of the day as you can to explore and experience Ulva. The trail network isn't overly long or taxing, but a perfect Wild Things day here would involve getting there, having a run around the loop described to start with and then doing it all again at a slower pace and soaking up the birds and atmosphere of amazing Ulva. An absolute must to for anyone visiting Stewart Island and would act as a great 'warm down" perhaps a day after running or tramping the Rakiura Trails.

Stunning birdlife - kiwis , weka, saddlebacks and many many more  Perhaps NZ's most significant sanctuary

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

There are several water taxi options from Oban, 6-10 minutes on the boat, priced approx $20 ish depending on operator and time of year. Would also be easy to kayak over in most conditions

0 km

0 minutes

No

No

Easy.

Its all well marked and some of the side 'nature' trails are totally worth an explore

Patchy.

Lightweight fleece top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

There are a few small creeks but you'd be advised to bring enough water from Oban

It's Stewart Island and as such expect constantly changing weather

Don't miss the boat!

South Seas Hotel
Oban, Stewart Island
http://www.southseahotel.co.nz/
Best place for a beer or two and a feed of Blue Cod

Trail Legend

KG

Kylie Gilbert

has completed Ultimate Ulva once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Not a kiwi in sight. But some gorgeous bays to soak up the sun and spot some bird life

Lauren Mai Anderson

April 12, 2022

Did this trail as a recovery day walk after running the Rakiura Track. We took our time and enjoyed the peaceful sounds of the birds and wildlife. No luck on seeing a kiwi, but plenty of other birdlife and a sea lion nesting.

Chris Seymour

October 28, 2021

WOW! This place has so much bird life and the beaches are amazing. Take your time to stop and listen and look for the birds. Saw some saddlebacks which just blew me away. Heard kiwi but if we didn't have the kids, we may have actually seen them. This place is very special, can't wait to return.

Sharon Sharpe

January 30, 2020

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