Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Ultimate Ulva
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 16
Gnarl Factor: 23
5.9km
150m
150m
42m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Grunt Factor: 16
Gnarl Factor: 23
5.9km
150m
150m
42m
Back country - remote
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Native bush
Beach
Coastal
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +6.9%
Average Downhill Gradient: -6.8%
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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
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
Unknown
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
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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Not a kiwi in sight. But some gorgeous bays to soak up the sun and spot some bird life
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.
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.
January 30, 2020
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