Ulva Island guided walk, Stewart Island

Ulva Island is a predator-free open sanctuary in Paterson Inlet, a short water-taxi ride from Oban on Stewart Island. With no rats or stoats, it's one of the best places in New Zealand to see rare native birds up close: South Island saddleback, Stewart Island robin, yellowhead, kākā, kākāriki, weka and kererū, in ancient podocarp forest that has never been logged.

Ulva's Guided Walks, set up in 2000 by local guide Ulva Goodwillie, runs small-group half-day and full-day walks that explain the birds, plants and conservation work. The price includes the return water taxi. The paths are gentle but undulating, with steps and roots, so wear good shoes. You can also visit on your own: water taxis leave from Golden Bay wharf and the island has well-marked tracks.

They also run evening kiwi-spotting trips, and Stewart Island is one of the few places where you can see kiwi in the wild.