09 October 2026
Mainly fine but the chance of an inland afternoon or evening shower. Areas of low cloud or fog possible at night. Light winds but easterlies about the coast for a time this afternoon.
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1 / 10Rakiura National Park
Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara walking tracks
Visit iconic Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara, the jewel of Rakiura National Park. Sample the delights of this open sanctuary via a series of well-formed tracks catering for all ages and levels of fitness.
Distance
4.55 km
Walking time
Various: 20 min to 2 hr return
Difficulty
Easiest, Easy
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Predator control for Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara
Weather outlook
Southland forecast
Issued 9 Oct 2026, 4:49 pm
10 October 2026
Areas of low cloud or fog in the morning and again at night, otherwise partly cloudy with isolated afternoon and evening showers. Easterlies about the coast for a time in the afternoon.
11 October 2026
Fine, but becoming mostly cloudy with isolated showers in the evening. Northerlies, turning westerly in the afternoon.
12 October 2026
Fine. Northwesterlies developing in the morning.
13 October 2026
Showers developing in the morning. Northwesterlies, dying out in the evening.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara walking tracks on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara walking tracks
Ulva Island Te Wharawhara is a pristine predator-free open island sanctuary in Paterson Inlet - one of the few pest-free sanctuaries in New Zealand. The island's abundant birdlife, rich forest, interesting history, golden sand beaches and a variety of well-maintained walking tracks make for a wonderful half or full day visit for the whole family. Ulva Island is one of only a few wildlife sanctuaries in New Zealand that is open to visitors all year around. Explore this open sanctuary on well-formed tracks, catering to all ages and levels of fitness. Track times given below are return times from Post Office Bay but connected paths will allow you to return by a different route. Times are generous allowing for stops. It takes around 3 hours to walk all of the marked tracks. Flagstaff Point Lookout Time: 20 min return to Post Office Bay Easy: Walking Track A short walk takes you up steps to the lookout with panoramic views back to Stewart Island/Rakiura. A flagstaff was erected here by Postmaster Charles Traill so he could signal to residents of Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera when the mail boat arrived from Bluff. You can choose to descend and return via Sydney Cove. Sydney Cove Time: 20 min return to Post Office Bay Easiest: Easy access short walk An easy walk brings you to a golden sand beach. The track is wheel chair accessible until the beach. At the beach there are picnic tables, a picnic shelter, toilet facility and fresh water at the beach. From the beach you'll look out onto part of the Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve. Walking south along the beach, you'll find another track leading to the four-way junction that links this track with tracks to Boulder Beach, West End Beach and back to Post Office Bay. Boulder Beach Time: 1 hr 30 min return to Post Office Bay Easy: Walking track Boulder Beach takes its name from two massive boulders now hidden in the forest covering the southern ridge above. This sheltered beach also gives views west across the marine reserve to the tiny islands and distant shores of Paterson Inlet. A track leads from the north end of Boulder Beach to West End Beach. There are steps involved. West End Beach Time: 2 hr return to Post Office Bay Easy: Walking track As you approach this most westerly of the island's beaches, the heavier forest of the island merges into coastal plant communities. The loop with the Boulder Beach track gives an easy round trip of about three hours. There are steps involved in this track.
Essential information for Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara walking tracks
Night visits are not allowed. Dogs are not allowed on Ulva Island. They can kill ground birds. There is no public accommodation on the island and camping is not allowed. There are no shops on Ulva Island. Pack everything you need before going to the island. When on the island Do not play any bird calls/songs. Drone use is not allowed above Ulva Island unless you have a drone permit. Follow all signs and keep to the paths. Do not feed any of the wildlife or birdlife, especially the weka. Take all your rubbish with you when you leave. There are no rubbish bins. Keep Ulva Island predator-free Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara was declared free of rats after a successful eradication programme that began in 1992 and was completed in 1996. Ulva Island has high natural values and its relatively unmodified state makes it an important island for the conservation of threatened species. Your help is needed Rats can stowaway on a boat. Water taxis and tour boats carry poison bait stations to prevent rats getting to the island. Rats can also hitch a ride on private boats or kayaks. Weeds can be a problem too. Weed seeds are very small and can easily be introduced on footwear or in bags. Check your boat/kayak, bags or packs for rats before setting out for the island. Make sure there are no rats on your boat or in your gear. Check your footwear, pockets and Velcro tabs for any seeds that may be hitching a ride. If you see evidence of rats on Ulva Island, report it immediately to DOC. The Ulva Island Charitable Trust raises and manages funds to assist DOC to upgrade tracks and visitor facilities on Ulva Island and help keep it free of introduced pests and predators. Ulva Island Charitable Trust .
Getting there for Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara walking tracks
Ulva Island is situated inside Paterson Inlet/Whaka a Te Wera, Stewart Island/Rakiura and has a land area of 266.6 hectares along with a coastline of about 11 km. Access by boat Access is by boat, from either Halfmoon Bay or Golden Bay, on Stewart Island/Rakiura. Water taxis, guides, charter boats, and a ferry are available to the main wharf at Post Office Bay. This bay is on the north side of the island and is where the main walking tracks start from. Own vessel If you use your own vessel, anchorage is likely in Sydney Cove. Ulva Island-Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve is nearby.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel
Dog access for Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara walking tracks
No dogs.
Before you walk Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara walking tracks
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.