Looking towards the historic lighthouse on Tiritiri Matangi
Image: DOC

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Introduction

Tiritiri Matangi is rich in Māori and European history with one of the most successful community-lead conservation projects in the world.

Unwanted predators have been eradicated and rare native birds such as the kōkako and the takahē (once thought to be extinct) survive and thrive in restored habitats within regenerating native forest.

The island is the perfect day trip destination for nature lovers and families.

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Find things to do and places to stay Tiritiri Matangi Island

Tiritiri Matangi is renowned as one of the best places in New Zealand to spot rare and endangered native species.

Tūī, saddleback/tieke and bellbird/korimako are commonly seen in the bush along the Wattle Track between the wharf and lighthouse area, and you may also be able to see whitehead/popokatea, stitchbird/hihi, North Island robin/miromiro and, if you are lucky, kōkako. Another good place to spot birds is on the Kawerau Track - look out for the rifleman/titiponamu.

Other species you may see on the island include little penguin/kororā (check out the penguin boxes on the side of Hobbs Track), takahe and NZ parakeet/kakariki.

Tiritiri Matangi is a popular destination for boaties with Hobbs Beach providing a sheltered anchorage.

The best snorkelling on Tiritiri Matangi is on the eastern side of the island. Bring a snorkel and mask and head to Northeast Bay and snorkel out to Wooded Island. Or for somewhere closer to the wharf, head for the rocks off Hobbs Beach, or snorkel out to the small island a couple of hundred metres offshore.

Species you may see include:

  • reef fish - parore, goatfish, snapper, leatherjackets, rock cod and eagle rays
  • pelagic fish - herring, kahawai, and even the occasional kingfish
  • other marine species - octopus, squid and colourful sponges

Kayaking to Tiritiri Matangi is an option for intermediate kayakers – the stretch of water between the island and the mainland can get rough and windy so this trip is not for beginners. The best place to start from is the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, from where it takes about 1 hour to get to Tiritiri Matangi.

No dogs allowed

To protect our native wildlife, dogs are not allowed anywhere in this place.

Check you are pest-free

Check, clean, and seal your gear to ensure you don't bring pests, soil, and seeds.

See island biosecurity requirements.

Contacts

Auckland information
Phone:   +64 7 867 9080
Email:   kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz
About:   Kauaeranga Visitor Centre provides visitor information for this area
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