guiding reviews

Matt was informative, knowledgeable, humorous and made the 4.5 hours a total awesome experience. We saw so many of the bird life and learned so much from Matt.

Mum50, New Zealand - Mar 2022

Thanks Matt, our guide. He was magnificent, as good as any guide we've had anywhere in the world. He told us so much, showed us so much, and saw things we never would have if we'd gone on our own (apart from the robins - they were everywhere and the tamest, coolest birds ever!) Matt bought the place to life - even amongst the never-ending bird song - don't go on your own (even if you can't get lost) - take a guide!

Spider, New Zealand - Oct 2021

My 24-hour foray was headlined by savouring Ulva Island. Warmly greeted by my distinguished guide, Matt Jones is Chair of the Ulva Island Trust and my host extraordinaire treated me royally. After all, he led Prince Harry around the island on his famous visit five years ago. We took a short taxi ferry across to Paterson Inlet from Golden Bay to this pristine jewel of primeval beauty... As I gazed in awe at the gin-clear waters at Boulder Beach and Sydney Cove, edged in podocarp forest, you can't help but feel immensely privileged to savour such a pristine pocket of unpeopled beauty. It's a mesmerising place, a cure-all realm for jaded city souls. My half-day tour with Matt has whetted my appetite to return to Stewart island for more immersive encounters with nature's feathered treasures and the lush rainforest.

Read the full article 'Away with the birds on Stewart Island' by Mike Yardley, July 2020

Matt was fun, professional & knowledgeable. Exceeded expectations. Perfect guide. Beautiful island ...nature at its best.

Jackie, New Zealand - 5/3/19

Matt was a superb guide . Found all the birds and his knowledge was wonderful.

Robert, Australia - 20/1/19

Matt was fabulous. He took the time to make sure each person saw every bird. Very knowledgeable, personable, competent and patient. I highly recommend this walk.

Shirley, USA - 10/12/18

Ulva Island is a special place, close to unique. Matt Jones is a special birding guide. Blessed with fine weather, the combination was delightful. We have been out with several birding guides, but Matt stands out for his incredible ear to the calls of the target birds. And great fun to be with.
Ballard, New Zealand - 28/10/18

Our guide was Matt Jones who is very charismatic and just so knowledgeable about Ulva and its background. The walk is at a steady pace with regular stops where Matt points out birdlife and Flora and fauna -the walk involves some steps and gradients. Ulva island is beautiful and unspoilt.
Lesley, England - 1/5/18

This was an amazing experience! Arriving on Ulva Island sounded like being in a jungle because of all the birds. My guide was Matt, who was not only incredibly knowledgeable about the birds, flora and other wildlife, but was also a delightful person with a great sense of humor. He obviously loves what he does and cares deeply about protecting and preserving the islands flora and fauna ... you don't have to be a "bird nerd" to appreciate the beauty and the experience.

Sally, UK - 23/3/18

Enjoyed the birding on Ulva Island but were absolutely blown away by the pelagic, it was a real highlight!

Pike & Nico, USA - 5/1/14

Saw everything - of course! Matt saw to that and we were SO lucky to have him.

John & Anne, UK - 5/12/13

Just a brief note to thank you so very much - the guided tour on Ulva was very special - I'm still talking about kiwi spotting at midday.

Paul Atkins, Chief Executive Zealandia, New Zealand - 9/1/17

Matt, our tour guide, was excellent. He shared his knowledge and love of the forest and bird life with us in a way that was both interesting and memorable. The pace of the 4-hour tour worked and I never felt rushed or like I wanted to move on. But best of all, we heard and saw a multitude of birds that I would never have noticed on my own. I learned the basic of birdwatching - walk less, look and listen more.

Barbara & Jim, USA - 10/3/18

Matt, I want to thank you for a most amazing and awesome experience. Your knowledge of world birds and calls and habitats is incredible. As is your knowledge of New Zealand natural history.

Ingolf, USA - 5/12/17

Matt never missed an organisational beat … or a bird! His outgoing personality, high energy, love of birds, and consistent good cheer made our group cohesive and fully engaged in each day's activities. Matt is a super guide!

John & Marilynne, USA - 26/2/16

It was good to meet up at Miranda and Kaikoura. We've been remembering the excitement of seeing the birds so close … and were grateful for your help in identifying them. We had a brilliant time.

Audrey & Gwyn, UK - 26/2/14

Thank you for your fantastic guiding on Paradise Island (Ulva Island!). We felt very lucky having you as a guide both bird watching and kiwi spotting [7 kiwis!]. This was really the highlight of our NZ trip.
Birgitta & Gunnar, Sweden - 14/4/14

A wonderful day birding. Fantastic views of everything on Ulva Island and a great afternoon's pelagic surrounded with the seabirds. The sights and sounds will stay with us forever. Many thanks Matt.

Jon & Kate, Scotland - 5/11/13

A truly magical experience thanks to Ulva and Matt for making it all happen.

Olaf & Steve, USA - 15/10/13

We came back drenched but with grins on our faces which will last for ages. A wonderful, knowledgeable and generous guide.

Honor & Philip, Australia - 16/3/13

I am glad I changed my mind and had Matt as our guide. I was going to make the visit on my own. Wonderful experience, thank you.

Maureen, UK - 6/1/13

Thanks Matt, a fabulous days' birding - could not have been better.

David, UK - 14/1/13

Really enjoyed the morning - very privileged to see such special birds. Very lucky to have such excellent knowledge.

Anne & Philip, Australia - 10/12/12

Matt - great job and a great place! Two of my bucket birds - thanks.

Jon, USA - 8/11/12

Thanks so much for a wonderful introduction to Ulva Island. A truly magical place - birds galore! See you next time.

Kent & Bill, USA - 25/10/12

30 species of birds today (and 21 were new to us). Seeing albatross was a life's ambition fulfilled! Thanks Matt for working hard to make sure we saw everything possible.

Helen & Ron, UK - 31/01/12

Fantastic walk. Matt found birds we never expected; kiwi a great bonus!

Pete & Carol, New Zealand - 17/02/12

Matt was awesome. We had been before but still learned new things. His knowledge is amazing for "not a local"! He is very passionate about what he does and it shows.

Jon, New Zealand - 24/03/12

Just a wonderful days' birding. Really great to meet someone who has birded the East Bank at Cley.

Stuart, USA - 13/12/11

Thanks to Matt at the Birdfair UK we really enjoyed Stewart Island at last. Matt's knowledge and personality has made our tour of Ulva Island a real joy and a pelagic trip to remember.

Martin & Adele, England - 06/12/11

We've seen great birds all over the world at sewage ponds and rubbish dumps, now we've seen South Island Saddleback at a long-drop toilet thanks to Matt's terrific ability to sniff out a skulker!

Jim & Susan, USA - 03/12/11

A lovely island, great weather and a fine guide, how much better can it be? Thanks Matt - jealous about your job, we will think about it when we are in our office.

Iris & Chris, Holland - 16/11/11

Fabulous trip on Ulva tracks, wonderful interpretation of forest and birds from Matt.

Mick & Deirdre, Tasmania - 21/02/11

On my birthday I've seen many interesting flowers, plants, trees and birds. The best birthday present was to see a kiwi!"

Dietmer & Nicole, Germany - 27/01/11

Thanks to Matt for a fantastic experience on both the pelagic and Ulva Island trip. Matt's effort, support and patience were massively appreciated. Will remember the Rifleman and Saddleback experience forever."

John & Julie, Wales - 10/01/11

Jones understands Ulva Island like a doctor knows the bones in a human skeleton. He can recognise the call of every bird and knows where to look to find the rarest of plants.
Sarah Nicholson Australia - 09/01/11
Sarah's article "Walking with fine company" on www.news.com.au is no longer available online

Wonderful walk with our very skilled guide Matt. A lot of birds, very lovely forest. Thanks for a lovely morning.Nelly & Jean-Pierre, France - 8/12/10

A wonderful day in every respect made extra special by an outstanding guide. Many thanks Matt.

Ros & Allen, Scotland - 7/11/10

We can't thank you enough for such a fabulous trip - we will always remember your enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge, not to mention your skills at finding the birds. The most impressive four hours of my life.

Connie & Bruce, USA - 23/03/10

What a great trip with such a talented and informative guide. It is not often that my 'twitcher' wife is reduced to silence but this was one such occasion!

Tim & Heather, UK - 9/12/10

Wow Wow Wow!! What a fabulous island made even more special by Matt. All we could have wished, need I say more.

Alison & David, UK - 29/10/10

Wonderful experience, great guide, saw some amazing birds. Especially the kiwi, thanks so much.

Lola, New Zealand - 21/02/10

This was our best guided trip we've ever had, thanks.

Sarja & Benny, Sweden - 01/01/10

Ulva is heaven. Enjoyed the walk very much and I'm extremely grateful to you Matt for showing me around so fantastically.

Meindert, Holland - 24/01/10

Travelling with Matt on Ulva Island was a revelation. The knowledge and companionship was enjoyed immensely.

Jenny, New Zealand - 23/12/09

Matt's an excellent guide with a genuine dedication to Ulva and New Zealand wildlife and fauna. We as New Zealanders are very lucky to have such a passionate person here in NZ.

Alan, New Zealand - 19/11/09

Superb memories, thank you for my Saddleback. Happy! A pleasure to spend time with a birder.

Sandy, USA - 03/03/09

All the superlatives, even a KIWI. We had a fantastic tour with Matt, he is a very informed and gifted communicator. Highly recommended.

Wyn & John, England - 20/02/08

Marvellous morning, thanks. Well done for finding so many Rifleman. The Morepork was a great bonus, as were the Yellow-crowned and Yellowhead. Your bush-craft was great, especially with the Rifleman which was calling beyond my hearing capacity, so it appeared you summoned them by magic!

Ian, England - 31/01/08

Awesome, extremely interesting tour. You'll be heard of in glowing terms by the rainforest guides of North Queensland. Thanks very much.

Paul & Pat, Australia - 18/02/08

A fantastic trip. We never imagined we would get such superb views of so many birds - all down to Matt. Thanks a million Matt.

Jim & Joan, England - 28/11/07

Birded Ulva Island with Matt. Rainy day but Matt worked his heart out for us, we saw 15 species, 9 of them life birds for us. Bird of the day was definitely the Rifleman, it really helps that Matt not only knows his birds but also their calls very well. Very patient guide, great people skills and superb at getting his clients onto the bird.

Bill & Nancy, USA - 22/11/07