Ulva Island (New Zealand)

It is a sanctuary for both birds and plants, holding species that on the mainland of New Zealand are rare or have died out.

[5] The shortest distance across the water from Rakiura to Ulva Island is around 800 metres (2,600 ft), and this is within the swimming range of Norway rats.

[6] The Department of Conservation currently maintains the public portion of the island including its predator free status.

A small portion of the island (approximately 8 hectares or 20 acres between Sydney Cove and Post Office Bay) is privately owned.

The liverwort species Lophocolea mediinfrons is thought to be endemic to northeastern Ulva Island.

Ulva Island Post Office Bay, wharf area with ferry
A tīeke, or South Island saddleback, on Ulva Island, where they were first released in 2000. A population of South Island saddlebacks is maintained on the island by the University of Otago .