Top picks:

• Join a guided walk to learn how to spot native birds and trees
• Take a sneaky peak in the penguin nesting boxes
• Check-out the visitor centre. It’s the best place to find out about the island

Fact file

• Tiritiri Matangi is an open wildlife sanctuary and one of the country’s most exciting conservation projects
• The lighthouse is the oldest working lighthouse in New Zealand
• The replanting programme started in 1984 and took 10 years and thousands of volunteers to complete

Why visit

The wildlife sanctuary is 30 kilometres north of central Auckland.  Visit Tiritiri Matangi Island for the incredible birdsong and the possibility of meeting several of New Zealand’s native and most endangered species in the wild.  Pop into the visitor centre to find out more information about the history, biodiversity and the species you will encounter, and then choose a walking track to explore the island.  Don’t miss the oldest working lighthouse in New Zealand.  Alternatively, book yourself on a tour with an experienced guide – it’s definitely worth considering if you are a first-time visitor. You’ll learn lots from the experts and be shown the best places to watch for different bird species. Keep a watchful eye out for stitchbirds, bellbirds, tiny North Island robins and spot the beautiful blue-grey colours of the Kokako.

A visit to this island makes the perfect day trip – catch the ferry from downtown Auckland and take a picnic as you’ll work up an appetite in all the fresh air. Enjoy your lunch in a sunny spot next to the lighthouse and meet Greg the Takahe – but watch out he’ll steal your lunch if you’re not careful!

Location

View Tiritiri Matangi Island in a larger map