Tiritiri Matangi is an island nature reserve, located about 30 kilometres offshore from downtown Auckland. Having been predator free since 1994 is it now one of New Zealand’s most important conservation areas, offering a haven to numerous bird and reptiles. For those interested in learning a bit about New Zealand’s interesting bird life this is a fantastic place to visit, with a good handful of both endemic and native species and many more non-native – some of the more readily recognisable being the bellbird, takahe, tui, kaka, fantail and little spotted kiwi.
A day trip starts with a 75-minute ferry crossing followed by a one-hour guided walk, run by conservation volunteers who will share their fantastic knowledge of the ecology of the island. You then have the rest of the day free to explore at your leisure and spot the birds you’ve just learned about before returning to Auckland by ferry.
