The wharf and ferry at Post Office Bay, Ulva Island. The island is about 3.5km long and lies within Stewart Island's Paterson Inlet. Photo: Supplied/ Andrew Rutherford CC BY-SA 4.0
Stewart Island tourism operators are reeling from a stoush over access to nearby Ulva Island bird sanctuary.
Nearly 40,000 visitors went to Rakiura / Stewart Island last season, with most travelling to Ulva Island - a jewel in the Department of Conservation's crown.
However, ahead of this year's season, tourist operators have been told the only wharf in Post Office Cove has reached the end of its life and is no longer safe to use.
But DoC and the district council are at an impasse over its replacement - and who should pay for what. Tourism operators are frustrated and worried.
Kathryn speaks with Aihe Wildlife Cruises and Water Taxi owner Furhana Ahmad, Southland District Mayor Rob Scott and DOC Operations Director southern South Island Aaron Fleming.
