Features
Tiritiri Matangi is an Auckland island sanctuary that provides pest-free habitat for a number of rare and endangered species.
One of the most successful conservation projects in the world, it lies 4 km off the coast of Auckland's Whangaparaoa Peninsula and attracts more than 20,000 visitors annually.
Visitors are welcome to explore the world renowned island sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi, lying 4 km off the coast of Whangaparaoa, north of Auckland.
Takahe, Tiritiri Matangi Island
Managed by the Department of Conservation in partnership with Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi the island has the status of an open sanctuary. This allows the public to visit and enjoy the natural splendour of rapidly regenerating native forest and ever increasing birdsong. Since 1984, around 300,000 native trees have been planted allowing the reintroduction of threatened native bird specials as well as tuatara, New Zealand’s living dinosaur.
Background
Originally cleared for farming, Tiritiri Matangi has been the site for one of the Hauraki Gulf's most important aids to navigation, the Tiritiri Light, for over a century.
Between 1984 and 1994 the farm animals were removed and over 280,000 trees planted by volunteers, as part of a project organised by the Department of Conservation and the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, a non-profit conservation volunteer group formed in 1988.
Community restoration
The Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, a voluntary community group, is a major contributor to the success of Tiritiri Matangi as an open sanctuary. Thousands of people have volunteered their labour or donated money to the project.
Over 280,000 trees were planted by volunteers on Tiritiri Matangi between 1984 and 1994. Most replanted areas are now well established and volunteer work has shifted to tasks like providing guided tours, maintaining facilities, conserving historic features and financial support.
The Supporters opened a new visitor centre on the island in 2005, which they funded. This will showcase information about Tiritiri Matangi and also houses a shop and office.
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