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Nature & Wildlife

Tiritiri Matangi Island, Hauraki Gulf attractions, things to do

Auckland, North Island

Getting to and around Tiritiri Matangi Island

Deafening bird song heralds the dawn on an island where the iconic flightless takahe bird can safely stroll on the beach. A magical place Tiritiri Matangi tells the story of Aotearoa New Zealand flora and fauna.

Tiritiri Matangi Island Top Sights

  • Well established open sanctuary with a prolific wildlife
  • Interesting day walks from lighthouse viewpoint to wetlands and bush trails

Tiritiri Matangi has a fascinating historical record both in Maori and European history. Tiritiri Matangi continues to showcase successful community-lead conservation projects in the world to restore natural flora and fauna. Birdsong greets birdwatchers who view Tiritiri Matangi as a must go destination.

A favourite for day trippers from Auckland. The island is an open sanctuary for endangered native species. Lying just an hour from Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland the island sanctuary is home to an unrivalled range of wildlife safe from predators. Take a guided walk to learn about the island’s wildlife and original spade brigade, or explore it at your own pace. Support financially conservation and education programmes, or get involved as a volunteer with working bees, concerts and an opportunity to view parts of the island seldom visited. Tiritiri Matangi is a must-go for outdoor / nature enthusiasts.

The following information is gleaned from Walks & Activities – Tiritiri Matangi.

Tiritiri Matangi Island walks

There are a variety of walks on the island to suit different levels of fitness. The tracks on the eastern side of the island are steeper in parts and more exposed, though they offer spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf. On the western side the bush is denser and has a lower canopy, so you are more likely to have up-close wildlife encounters.

South Island saddleback in Tiritiri Matangi Island, Auckland, New Zealand
South Island saddleback in Tiritiri Matangi Island, Auckland

Historical activities

  • Learn about the ancient refuse stations or middens, kūmara pits and other areas of cultural and historic interest
  • See the oldest working lighthouse in New Zealand. The Tiritiri lighthouse was shipped from England in 1864, and equipped later with a blindingly bright light of one-million candlepower. Its beams stretched over 80 kms!
  • At the lighthouse precinct you will also find a watchtower, lighthouse keepers cottages (which are now used as accommodation) and a diaphonic foghorn
  • If you have a keen interest in maritime history, ask at the Visitor Centre to be shown our small museum with its display of various kinds of lights and maritime artefacts
A single takahe on the beach on Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland, New Zealand.
A single takahe on the beach on Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf

Family friendly in spades with a superb kids focused resource

Get the children interested in the natural world with a visit to Tiritiri Matangi Island. Check the comprehensive Activities & Resources – Tiritiri Matangi and download and print before you depart.

TIP

Carry pencils, rubbers and coloured pencils in your backpack for the kids.

And parents and caregivers will enjoy the frequently asked questions posed by caregivers, check out Family Survival Guide – Tiritiri Matangi for details.

 

Getting to Tiritiri Matangi Island

Tiritiri Matangi Island | Ferry Services operates ferry services to Tiritiri Matangi Island. The ferry services are operating in partnership with Ngāi Tai Te Haeranga, traditional Maori guardians of the island.

Supporters, fans and visitors – donation request

Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Island is a non-profit conservation volunteer group founded in 1988 to further the aims of the Tiritiri Matangi conservation project. Visit tiritirimatangi.org.nz to find out more, become a Supporter of Tiritiri Matangi or make a donation.

Can you stay on Tiritiri Matangi Island, Hauraki Gulf

Yes, you can stay on Tiritiri Matangi Island. Overnight accommodation is available on Tiritiri Matangi in the former lighthouse keeper’s cottage. The cottage has 15 bunks across three rooms, and is well equipped with all cooking utensils, fridge, freezer, microwave, gas stove, BBQ, and bathroom facilities with hot showers. For more information check out Overnight Stays – Tiritiri Matangi.

New Zealand Native Endangered Kokaho on Tiritiri Matangi Island Wildlife Sanctuary, New Zealand
New Zealand Native Endangered Kokako on Tiritiri Matangi Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Visitor information – Tiritiri Matangi Island, Hauraki Gulf, Auckland

Important Information

  • There is no phone available for use on the island apart from in an emergency
  • There is a visitor centre and shop near the lighthouse which is normally open 11am – 3pm from Wednesday to Sunday and where souvenirs and cold drinks can be purchased. There is no food for sale on the island so please remember to take your own food and snacks for the day.
  • Toilets are located at the Tiritiri Matangi Wharf, Hobbs Beach and the lighthouse
  • Smoking is restricted to the designated area at the wharf and outside the visitor centre
Tieke Saddleback on Tiritiri Matangi island, New Zealand
Tieke Saddleback on Tiritiri Matangi island
  • Please keep to the tracks so you don’t disturb plants, birds or scientific studies
  • Dogs are not allowed
  • Fires and portable barbeques are not permitted
  • There are no rubbish bins on the island, so please remember to take all your rubbish with you when you leave
  • Bicycles, scooters and skateboards are not permitted on the island
  • If you wish to stay overnight on Tiritiri Matangi Island, you will need to book your return ferry tickets directly with our reservations team. Please email info@exploregroup.co.nz or call 0800 397 567 to arrange. Your overnight accommodation at the Tiritiri Matangi Island bunkhouse will need to be booked separately via the Department of Conservation.

Best time to visit Tiritiri Matangi Island

Year round with Auckland’s sub-tropical climate, wear a waterproof layer in winter and enjoy the peace and quiet of the island.

How long do you need to visit Tiritiri Matangi Island?

Allow a minimum of half a day with an early morning start. Pack a picnic lunch and listen to the accompanying bird song while watching activity on the Hauraki Gulf.  Recommended visit duration – all day.

Tui perched on Kowhai tree, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand. September.
Tui perched on Kowhai tree, Auckland

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