Tiritiri Matangi Island

Tiritiri Matangi Island is a wildlife sanctuary and one of New Zealand’s most important and exciting conservation projects.

It’s a forty minute boat trip from Auckland City Ferry Terminal ( Pier 4 ) departing at 9.00a.m and returning at 3.30 sharp. The ferry runs from Wednesdays through to Sundays each week.

For anyone interested in the native birdlife of New Zealand this is an ideal introduction to some of the species they may encounter on a journey through the country. Birds seen by our travellers include the flightless takahe, one of the world’s rarest species, the tuatarai, tui, fantail, silvereye, bellbird and grey warbler .

On arrival on the Island, visitors are given a short introductory talk by the Ranger, after which they are free to go on a guided walk with a volunteer, explore the tracks unguided, or spend the day on the beach

The two main tracks used for the guided walk are about 2km (Wattle Track) and 3km (Kawerau Track), from the wharf to the buildings. The guided walks end at the Visitor Centre near the Lighthouse, which is also a popular place to eat a packed lunch. The Visitor Centre has a gift shop, complementary tea and coffee for adults, and the public toilets are nearby.

What our travellers enjoy about a visit to Tiritiri Matangi…

  • The enthusiasm of the Volunteer guides and their prolific knowledge of the native birdlife
  • Seeing so many different bird species in one place
  • Enjoying time on the beach or taking a dip in the sea