Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi
A predator-free island sanctuary in the Hauraki Gulf, where you can get close to rare birds such as takahē, saddleback, and kōkako.
Tiritiri Matangi is one of New Zealand's most successful open conservation islands. In the 1980s, volunteers planted hundreds of thousands of trees on the island, which had once been grazed, and eradicated its rats. They then reintroduced endangered birds such as takahē, kōkako, saddleback, and stitchbird. Visitors can take a ferry from the city centre wharf (about 75 minutes) or from Gulf Harbour. Ferries usually run several days a week. Join a volunteer-led walk. The island also has a lighthouse dating from 1865. Before boarding, check your bag to keep out rodents and seeds. There are no shops on the island, so bring your own lunch.
Opening hours
Follows ferry schedule (usually Wednesday–Sunday)
Nearby sights
- Rangitoto Island
- Takapuna Beach
- Maungauika / North Head
- Devonport
- Mission Bay
- Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium
- Auckland Harbour Bridge
- New Zealand Maritime Museum