Tiritiri Matangi Scientific Reserve

If you are in Auckland, you have to do a day trip to this beautiful island sanctuary. You can see so many birds like Hihi, Tui, Whitehead, Bellbird up close near the sugar water feeders, also you can see the kiwi birds and Penguins in their nests. If you are lucky you might just see some dolphins, lizards and may be even kokako. This is a protected island so you would need to follow all the rules regarding biosecurity. For first timers I recommend a guided tour.

A great predator free offshore island reserve for observing a range of native sea and bush birds alongside some native insects, geckos, skinks, and tuatara.The island has great walks through bush and along the wetland part of the island. I enjoyed taking a full loop of the island, but if you choose to do the same watch the time so that you don't miss the ferry. I would recommend printing off a map from the DOC website of the tracks, for following the tracks, in case none are present on the ferry. Watch out for sign posts directing you to locations on the island with the same names as some of the tracks, and if you get confused pull up Google maps with your location turned on to compare with your printed map.At the top of the island to the east there's the visitor centre and lighthouse which has some benches and picnic tables which are great for having a snack or lunch. A few tracks will lead here alongside the main road, which can be accessed from the other tracks through several short link tracks.Some of the birds found here are seasonal visitors while others remain on the island year round, however, the ease of observing them will still differ so make sure to do some research before you choose to come. Some of the birds unique to the island compared to the mainland Auckland region include North Island kōkako, tīeke, takahē, North Island robin, hihi, and korimako. Several species of wētā are found on the island including wētāpunga the largest insect species in the world, which can only be found on Little Barrier Island, Motuora Island, and Tiritiri Matangi after their near extinction. Finally, there are several native plants now established across the island after replanting efforts by volunteers, with the remaining grass areas being purposefully kept as habitat for takahē.Overall I found the wildlife great, the walks fun, and had a great day.

I fully understand and comprehend the work and effort made at this reserve but find it difficult to get as excited as every employee and guide kept on telling me how I should be. I conclude it was nice to eventually hear some songs from the birds and even see some flashes of birds within the trees but feel it was very much overwhelmed by too many human traces everywhere.

An absolutely amazing island with so much incredible bird life - we ended up spotting almost 30 different species in our time there. The birdsong was insane, and the feeding stations allowed you to get so close to the korimako and hihi. Definitely recommend staying overnight in the DOC bunkhouse and experiencing the full day there. There are so many wonderful tracks to walk around the island. We went out at night to look for kiwi but didn’t have much luck - spotted a pateke though!

A bird and song paradise, with wonderful and knowledgeable guides. Stunning views and birds which can't be seen or heard on the mainland. The tracks are well maintained and comfortable working for most. It is most definitely worth a visit.

A beautiful island, great wildlife, nice people. Will be coming again. Recommend coming on a nice and sunny day for good photographs.

It's amazing. Great ferry trip, leisurely walk with a a tour guide pointing out the fauna and flora then a swim at the beach and the trip home. There are no food shops on the island so bring your lunch.

Tiritiri is a place like no others, our time there was truly amazing and we cannot wait to come back for an overnight stay or some volunteering. Thanks to all the volunteers who are a big part of this incredible experience. Neal, if you read this, thank you so much for your time and you knowledge !

Absolutely terrific island with amazing native birds. Really good scenery too with great views of Auckland mainland. The walks are absolutely stunning as well as the lighthouse. The facilities are great, the wharf is great and the souvenir shop is a good place to visit too. Great cause. The island is a must visit.

Beautiful birds and nature, recommended to go to this island.