Located in the Hauraki Gulf just over the water from Shakespear Park. It’s a short ferry ride from Auckland viaduct to Tiritiri Matangi Island, a haven for rare birds and a testament to the power of conservation.
This 220-hectare island, once ravaged by introduced predators, has been meticulously restored, transforming into a thriving sanctuary for species like the bellbird, kākāpo, and takahē.
But Tiritiri Matangi isn’t just about the wonderful bird life. Explore the island’s historical lighthouse, learn about its rich Māori heritage, or simply soak in the panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf from its highest point.
FERRY TIMETABLE & PRICES: Book the ferry to Tiritiri Matangi Island here.
Our party opted for the guided tour and our volunteer guide Anna educated us about the trees and the birds as we made our way up the Wattle Track to the Visitors Centre, shop and lighthouse. We ate our picnic lunch at the table provided. (There is an option to have your picnic supplies driven up to that point to save carrying them with you.)
After lunch, we ambled back down to the ferry via the Kawerau Track. It was magic to stop in a bush clad gully to hear and see so many birds in the magnificent trees. My favourite stopping point was by the 800-1000 year old pohutukawa tree – there were many tui birds calling.
This was a great day out and we are planning to come back in the spring to see the trees in bloom.
Time: 1 hour 25 mins
Distance: 4.1km
Elevation: 124m
Dogs: Not allowed on shore anywhere
Mobile Coverage: Poor
We took our boat out to Tiritiri Matangi Island and pulled up at Hobbs Beach in our tender. Funny enough, we arrived right as the ferry was unloading a bunch of people for the guided tour, but we managed to sneak ahead and do our own thing.
I couldn’t get over how insanely clear the water was – you could see straight to the bottom! Any keen fisherman would have a field day out here, I reckon. We did this nice loop walk up to the lighthouse, had a nosey around the little museum there, then took a different track back to the beach.
The bush was absolutely humming with birds! There are these cool water feeders dotted along the track where you can plonk yourself down and watch the birds come in for a drink. The whole walk was pretty cruisy with these nice wide tracks – nothing too crazy.
If you ever get the chance, whether you jump on the ferry or have your own boat like us, you’ve got to check this place out. Massive props to all the volunteers who look after it – they’re doing an amazing job keeping it this beautiful.
Hi Helen,
I met you on Tiri on 2nd March. We discussed signage. I have just been reading your review & you mention an 800 yr old Kauri. This is incorrect as we do not have such a tree on Tiri. I think you may be thinking of the Puriri or Pohutakawa tree. I have sent your comments to Mary-Ann.
Regards
Gina
Many thanks for leaving your comment Gina. Yes there is no kauri tree – mistake has been corrected, thank you for pointing that out. Cheers, Helen
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