Rakiura/Stewart Island's Ulva Island is set to be without a wharf, after the Southland District Council (SDC) and the Department of Conservation (DOC) fail to find a workable solution for the popular island sanctuary.

Ulva Island is home to some of New Zealand's rarest plants, vulnerable native bird and marine species, which also mades it a popular day trip destination for many tourists to Rakiura.

With the current Post Office Cove wharf now at the end of its functional life, the SDC has made the decision to permanently close it at the end of the 2023-4 summer tourism season.

SDC said the current wharf either needs to be replaced or removed, but following consultation with the Stewart Island Rakiura Community Board and the harbour master, they will keep it open to restricted use for just one more summer season.

Meanwhile attempts by SDC, DOC, and Ulva Island landowner, the Hunter family, to find a long-term workable solution have proven unsuccessful.

A new wharf site at Bathing Bay did receive agreements in principle and letters of support from all parties, however disagreement over who should own and maintain 350-400 metres of connecting track continues to remain unresolved between SDC and DOC.

DOC Acting Operations Director Meg Embleton-Muir said the department provided in-principle support in the early stages of the project and have remained engaged in the process, but had always been clear about it's constraints.

"In-principle support provided by the Department specifically excluded providing and maintaining a connecting track between a new wharf and the existing track network," Embleton-Muir said.

"The wharf belongs to the Southland District Council and they are the project lead and are responsible for leading the detailed planning work required before our decision-makers could consider any binding decisions or commitments."

"Conversations between DOC and Southland District Council are ongoing and we remain committed to engaging on their project."

However SDC said that while DOC had always been clear that there were no funds to physically build the track, they had agreed in principle to own and maintain the track, and provide in-kind contribution through design and construction services.

SDC Manager - Community facilities, Mark Day, said while council staff have continued to engage with DOC staff, they were no closer to any agreement on the issues which need to be resolved before a new wharf could be installed.

New Ulva Island restrictions are:

• A 10-minute limit on vessels parked at the wharf
• A 3-knot maximum speed limit approaching the wharf
• A maximum vessel displacement of eight tonnes
• A wind speed threshold of + 10 knots restriction on parking at the wharf

The restrictions will come into force on 1 October 2023.

SDC said they have advised key stakeholders including tour operators and the island jetties committee, but will also hold a community meeting on Stewart Island Rakiura today (7 Sep) to discuss the restrictions. 

A report will be presented to SDC seeking a decision on whether or not the wharf will be replaced later this month.