Tititiri Matangi Island is a scenic reserve, open wildlife sanctuary and an important conservation project located in the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland New Zealand. It is managed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation in conjunction with the community group - Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc.
We caught the ferry from Auckland CBD to Tiritiri Matangi Island, its about a 75 minute ferry ride. The weather was stunning, the sun was out and the water was flat, it was an amazingly calm ferry ride out to the island. We had brought tickets for a guided walk and upon arrival at the island were given our walking options and divided up into groups. The volunteers are amazing - well organised and knowledgeable.
We decided on the Kawerau track loop track which is approx a 3 hour walk which starts at the Tiritiri Matangi wharf, goes along Hobbs Beach, through the Kawerau section of the track, back along Ridge Road to the Lighthouse and return to the wharf by the Wattle track.
As it was such a hot day, we were pleased that most of the walk is through bush. We stopped frequently to look and listen for bird life and to view the long standing Pohutukakwa trees (some 1,000 years old), the Puriri tree and lots of other native bush. In the quiet of the bush we were luckily enough to view several of the birds - Saddleback, Kakariki, Bellbird, Hihi and even saw several Kererū, one flying right over us with a loud swoosh of his wings.
The lighthouse which is now fully automated and powered by solar panels has guided ships through the Hauraki Gulf since 1865 is still standing strong on the top of the hill. The views from the lighthouse, where we stopped for our lunch, make it a must see when you visit.
We ended the day with a well deserved swim at Hobbs beach on Tiritiri Matangi Island. The water was warm and very clear. It was very popular with boaties, kayakers and swimmers. This is a great island to visit with lots of places on the island to visit, wildlife to see along with the amazing bush and trees. The tracks are well laid out, the bird life is abundant, along with several other inhabitants that we did not get to see.
Tiritiri Matangi Island is an open sanctuary meaning that anyone can visit, they also pride themselves on being predator free, so please check before going ashore.
Further information on Tiritiri Matangi Island
Remember take only photos and leave only footprints.
Great photos, beautiful days