Tiritiri Matangi Island

Tiritiri Matangi was farmed until 1971 and by then was about six percent forest. Between 1984 and 1994 volunteers planted somewhere around a quarter of a million trees by hand, kiore were eradicated in 1993, and the island became one of the most successful open sanctuaries anywhere - open meaning the public can land, unlike most predator-free islands. The result is that birds you would be lucky to hear on the mainland are underfoot here: takahe walking the tracks, kokako, saddleback, stitchbird, whitehead, kakariki, and little spotted kiwi at night for those staying in the bunkhouse. Sugar-water feeders near the tracks bring birds into the open. Guided walks by the supporters' society are the way to see and hear most, since half the value is having someone name what is calling. Everything must be checked for pests before boarding - that is the condition the island runs on.

History

The first people to settle the island were Māori of the Kawerau iwi, later joined by Ngāti Pāoa, and there were two pā. A lighthouse was built near the southern end in 1864 and still works, the Hobbs family farmed the island from 1863 to 1971, from 1984 more than 250,000 native plants were planted, and kiore were eradicated in 1993 (Wikipedia, Tiritiri Matangi Island).

The landscape

• Takahe - on the tracks, at close range, unbothered.
• The replanted forest - a quarter of a million volunteer-planted trees.
• The feeders - stitchbird, saddleback and kokako in the open.
• The lighthouse - the 1864 tower at the island's end.

When to go

October to April; spring for song and breeding. Book the ferry well ahead - it runs limited days and sells out. Take a guided walk if it is your first visit.

Things to know

Bags are checked for rodents and seeds before boarding, and that is not negotiable. There is no shop - bring all food and water. The ferry schedule dictates the day and there is one boat back. Kiwi are nocturnal, so only overnight stayers see them.

Nearby

Rangitoto and Great Barrier are elsewhere in the Hauraki Gulf; Gulf Harbour is the mainland departure point.

Key facts