Hihi/stitchbird. Photo: Trev Storr

Tītitipo

unam

u/ri

f em

an. P

hoto: Simon Fordham

Kākāriki/red-crowned parakeet. P

hoto

: Lar

a Di

xon

Toutouwai/North Island robin. Photo: Jane Thompson

North Island kōkako

Photo: Martin Sanders

Pāte

ke/ b

rown te

al. Photo: Pike Brown

Takahē. Photo: Trev Storr

Pukupuku/little spotted kiwi. Photo: Simon Fordham

Tīeke/North Island saddleback.

Visiting Tiritiri Matangi

Getting thereFerry service to Tiritiri Matangi phone: 0800 360 3472 or visit www.360discovery.co.nz

Once you’re thereThere is no food available for purchase on the island. We advise you to either bring your own supplies, order a lunchbox through 360 Discovery (24 hours in advance) or purchase food on the ferry.

Walking tracksThe walking tracks on Tiritiri Matangi provide great opportunities for visitors to explore areas of scenic and wildlife interest. Tracks are clearly marked and signposted. Points of interest and facilities are marked on the map.A reasonable standard of fitness is required for some tracks.Guided tours offered by the Supporters for a small cost are a great way for visitors to explore the island. The tours are approximately 90 minutes long and the guides will help identify the various species that you come across and highlight the best spots to see wildlife. You can book your tour when you reserve your ferry ticket.

Visitor centre and facilitiesThe visitor centre and shop are located near the lighthouse. The shop sells T‑shirts, books, New Zealand flora‑ and fauna‑themed gifts and cold drinks. The shop accepts Mastercard and Visa. Complimentary tea and coffee is supplied by Dilmah, Chelsea Sugar and Nestlé. All profits from the shop go to support the island and its conservation work. For more information contact Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc or Tiritiri Matangi shop, phone: 09 476 0010.

Overnight accommodationThe bunkhouse on Tiritiri Matangi Island can be booked for overnight stays online at www.doc.govt.nz. However, this facility has limited availability as it is primarily used by volunteers and students carrying out work on the island.Rangers live on the island and can offer further information and emergency support, phone: 09 476 0920. Note that cellphone reception can be patchy on the island.

Toilets are located at Tiritiri Wharf, Hobbs Beach and the lighthouse area.

For more information about the island, visit:

www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz www.doc.govt.nz

Help look after this special sanctuary

Tiritiri Matangi is a scientific reserve and a sanctuary for rare wildlife. It has no introduced pests. Visitors are welcome, but we ask that you treat this special island with care to help keep its wildlife safe.Before you board your ferry to come out to the island, please:

Check that your bags are free of rodents and insects; no open bags are allowed on the ferry; and all food must be packed in sealed containers

Check that clothing, footwear and bags are free of dirt and seeds

On the island:Keep to the tracks to avoid disturbing wildlife

No pets are allowed

Take all your rubbish off the island

No barbeques or fires are allowed

No camping is allowed

An open sanctuary

Tiritiri Matangi Island (commonly referred to as ‘Tiri’) is a scientific reserve, a wildlife sanctuary and one of New Zealand’s most important and exciting conservation projects. It is managed by the Department of Conservation in conjunction with the community group Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc.New Zealand’s island sanctuaries help to ensure the survival of many rare and endangered plant and animal species. Island sanctuaries are especially valuable because they are easier to keep predator free than mainland areas.To ensure minimum disturbance to wildlife, many island sanctuaries, such as Hauturu/Little Barrier Island, only allow the public restricted access. However, Tiritiri Matangi has been developed as an open sanctuary, where the public are welcome to visit and enjoy some of New Zealand’s rare and endangered wildlife up close and in their natural environment.Tiritiri Matangi (‘looking to the wind’ or ‘wind tossing about’) lies 4 km off the coast of Whangaparaoa Peninsula, only 1 hour and 20 minutes by boat from Auckland city.

Bringing back the wildlife

The 220‑hectare island was originally covered by a mixed pōhutukawa forest, with kohekohe and taraire forest dominant in the sheltered valleys. However, centuries of Māori occupation followed by European farming saw the majority of the island converted to rolling grassland, with only a few pockets of forest remaining.Tiritiri Matangi’s original wildlife suffered greatly when the forests were cleared for pasture. Many bird species were forced to leave in search of new homes and food sources, and only the more resilient species, such as the tūī, pīwakawaka/fantail, tauhou/silvereye, riroriro/grey warbler, korimako/bellbird and pūweto/spotless crake remained.Since the island became a sanctuary, some of our rarer native birds, including tīeke/North Island saddleback, takahē, kākāriki/red‑crowned parakeet, toutouwai/North Island robin, North Island kōkako, pōpokotea/whitehead, pukupuku/little spotted kiwi, pāteke/brown teal, mātātā/North Island fernbird, hihi/stitchbird and tītitipounamu/rifleman, have been re‑introduced to Tiritiri. Tuatara have also been successfully re‑established on the island, along with Duvaucel’s gecko, shore skink and wētā punga/giant wētā.

Tiritiri MatangiAn open sanctuary

Published by:Publishing Team Department of Conservation PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143 New ZealandNovember 2012Crown copyrightCover photos: Tiritiri lighthouse and rangers house, Grant Reaburn; children watching takahē, Mitsuro Aoyagi.

Volunteer and community support

The community group Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc is a major contributor to the development of Tiritiri Matangi as an open wildlife sanctuary, and its support and involvement is essential to the continuing success of the project.Thousands of people have volunteered their labour or donated money to the conservation project since its inception in 1988.

How you can helpIf you enjoy your experience on Tiritiri Matangi and would like to be involved, join Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc. Visit:

• www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz• www.facebook.com/TiritiriMatangiIsland

Tell your friends about Tiritiri Matangi and encourage them to get involved too.

A glance back in time

Tiritiri Matangi was settled by Te Kawerau‑a‑Maki. On the western coast, these early settlers built Tiritiri Matangi Pā, from which the island takes its name, and other settlements soon developed along this coastline. The remains of building sites and kūmara storage pits can still be seen on most ridges on the west side of the island. A large settlement also existed at Northeast Bay.Members of Ngāti Paoa later moved into this area and established the Papakura (red rock) Pā on the northern reach. This pā was destroyed in the 1700s during conflict between the two iwi.Europeans arrived in the mid‑1850s, and the island was farmed continuously from then until the 1970s when the farming lease was not renewed and the island became a recreation reserve. The Department of Conservation now administers Tiritiri as a scientific reserve.Tiritiri’s 20.5‑metre‑tall cast iron lighthouse at the southern end of the island has guided ships through the Hauraki Gulf since 1865. The original two lighthouse keepers’ cottages were replaced in 1918 with the buildings that exist today. The lighthouse is now fully automated and powered by solar panels, and the lighthouse area, including the historic watch tower and foghorn, is well worth visiting.

Hihi/stitchbird. Photo: Trev Storr

Tītitipounamu/rif em

an. Photo: Simon Fordham

Kākāriki/red-crowned parakeet. Photo: Lara Dixon

Toutouwai/North Is

land r

obin.

Photo: Jane Thompson

North Island kōkako

Photo: Martin Sanders

Pāteke/ brown teal. Photo: Pike Brown

Takahē. Photo: Trev Storr

Pukupuku/little spotted kiwi. Photo: Simon Fordham

Tīeke/North Island saddleback.

Visiting Tiritiri Matangi

Getting thereFerry service to Tiritiri Matangi phone: 0800 360 3472 or visit www.360discovery.co.nz

Once you’re thereThere is no food available for purchase on the island. We advise you to either bring your own supplies, order a lunchbox through 360 Discovery (24 hours in advance) or purchase food on the ferry.

Walking tracksThe walking tracks on Tiritiri Matangi provide great opportunities for visitors to explore areas of scenic and wildlife interest. Tracks are clearly marked and signposted. Points of interest and facilities are marked on the map.A reasonable standard of fitness is required for some tracks.Guided tours offered by the Supporters for a small cost are a great way for visitors to explore the island. The tours are approximately 90 minutes long and the guides will help identify the various species that you come across and highlight the best spots to see wildlife. You can book your tour when you reserve your ferry ticket.

Visitor centre and facilitiesThe visitor centre and shop are located near the lighthouse. The shop sells T‑shirts, books, New Zealand flora‑ and fauna‑themed gifts and cold drinks. The shop accepts Mastercard and Visa. Complimentary tea and coffee is supplied by Dilmah, Chelsea Sugar and Nestlé. All profits from the shop go to support the island and its conservation work. For more information contact Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc or Tiritiri Matangi shop, phone: 09 476 0010.

Overnight accommodationThe bunkhouse on Tiritiri Matangi Island can be booked for overnight stays online at www.doc.govt.nz. However, this facility has limited availability as it is primarily used by volunteers and students carrying out work on the island.Rangers live on the island and can offer further information and emergency support, phone: 09 476 0920. Note that cellphone reception can be patchy on the island.

Toilets are located at Tiritiri Wharf, Hobbs Beach and the lighthouse area.

For more information about the island, visit:

www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz www.doc.govt.nz

Help look after this special sanctuary

Tiritiri Matangi is a scientific reserve and a sanctuary for rare wildlife. It has no introduced pests. Visitors are welcome, but we ask that you treat this special island with care to help keep its wildlife safe.Before you board your ferry to come out to the island, please:

Check that your bags are free of rodents and insects; no open bags are allowed on the ferry; and all food must be packed in sealed containers

Check that clothing, footwear and bags are free of dirt and seeds

On the island:Keep to the tracks to avoid disturbing wildlife

No pets are allowed

Take all your rubbish off the island

No barbeques or fires are allowed

No camping is allowed

An open sanctuary

Tiritiri Matangi Island (commonly referred to as ‘Tiri’) is a scientific reserve, a wildlife sanctuary and one of New Zealand’s most important and exciting conservation projects. It is managed by the Department of Conservation in conjunction with the community group Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc.New Zealand’s island sanctuaries help to ensure the survival of many rare and endangered plant and animal species. Island sanctuaries are especially valuable because they are easier to keep predator free than mainland areas.To ensure minimum disturbance to wildlife, many island sanctuaries, such as Hauturu/Little Barrier Island, only allow the public restricted access. However, Tiritiri Matangi has been developed as an open sanctuary, where the public are welcome to visit and enjoy some of New Zealand’s rare and endangered wildlife up close and in their natural environment.Tiritiri Matangi (‘looking to the wind’ or ‘wind tossing about’) lies 4 km off the coast of Whangaparaoa Peninsula, only 1 hour and 20 minutes by boat from Auckland city.

Bringing back the wildlife

The 220‑hectare island was originally covered by a mixed pōhutukawa forest, with kohekohe and taraire forest dominant in the sheltered valleys. However, centuries of Māori occupation followed by European farming saw the majority of the island converted to rolling grassland, with only a few pockets of forest remaining.Tiritiri Matangi’s original wildlife suffered greatly when the forests were cleared for pasture. Many bird species were forced to leave in search of new homes and food sources, and only the more resilient species, such as the tūī, pīwakawaka/fantail, tauhou/silvereye, riroriro/grey warbler, korimako/bellbird and pūweto/spotless crake remained.Since the island became a sanctuary, some of our rarer native birds, including tīeke/North Island saddleback, takahē, kākāriki/red‑crowned parakeet, toutouwai/North Island robin, North Island kōkako, pōpokotea/whitehead, pukupuku/little spotted kiwi, pāteke/brown teal, mātātā/North Island fernbird, hihi/stitchbird and tītitipounamu/rifleman, have been re‑introduced to Tiritiri. Tuatara have also been successfully re‑established on the island, along with Duvaucel’s gecko, shore skink and wētā punga/giant wētā.

Tiritiri MatangiAn open sanctuary

Published by:Publishing Team Department of Conservation PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143 New ZealandNovember 2012Crown copyrightCover photos: Tiritiri lighthouse and rangers house, Grant Reaburn; children watching takahē, Mitsuro Aoyagi.

Volunteer and community support

The community group Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc is a major contributor to the development of Tiritiri Matangi as an open wildlife sanctuary, and its support and involvement is essential to the continuing success of the project.Thousands of people have volunteered their labour or donated money to the conservation project since its inception in 1988.

How you can helpIf you enjoy your experience on Tiritiri Matangi and would like to be involved, join Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc. Visit:

• www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz• www.facebook.com/TiritiriMatangiIsland

Tell your friends about Tiritiri Matangi and encourage them to get involved too.

A glance back in time

Tiritiri Matangi was settled by Te Kawerau‑a‑Maki. On the western coast, these early settlers built Tiritiri Matangi Pā, from which the island takes its name, and other settlements soon developed along this coastline. The remains of building sites and kūmara storage pits can still be seen on most ridges on the west side of the island. A large settlement also existed at Northeast Bay.Members of Ngāti Paoa later moved into this area and established the Papakura (red rock) Pā on the northern reach. This pā was destroyed in the 1700s during conflict between the two iwi.Europeans arrived in the mid‑1850s, and the island was farmed continuously from then until the 1970s when the farming lease was not renewed and the island became a recreation reserve. The Department of Conservation now administers Tiritiri as a scientific reserve.Tiritiri’s 20.5‑metre‑tall cast iron lighthouse at the southern end of the island has guided ships through the Hauraki Gulf since 1865. The original two lighthouse keepers’ cottages were replaced in 1918 with the buildings that exist today. The lighthouse is now fully automated and powered by solar panels, and the lighthouse area, including the historic watch tower and foghorn, is well worth visiting.

The replanting programme

A comprehensive native replanting programme began on Tiritiri Matangi in 1984 with the combined aims of accelerating the natural regeneration of the coastal forest and providing a rich and varied habitat for native bird, reptile and insect species.In 1983, a nursery was set up on the island specifically to grow plants from seed gathered on the island. This became a cornerstone of the revegetation programme.Initially, pōhutukawa was the main tree planted. This fast‑growing tree formed a canopy for slower‑growing species, shading out the thick grass and providing shelter from the exposed conditions.At the same time, taraire, kohekohe, pūriri and many other trees were planted. Bird droppings are now helping to spread seeds, contributing to the regrowth of the forest.By the completion of the planting programme in 1994, over 280 000 trees had been planted. The programme’s success is fundamentally due to the support and involvement of thousands of volunteers, with most of the planting sessions carried out by visiting groups, including conservation groups, service organisations, school groups and sports clubs.

Exploring Tiritiri Matangi

Wattle Track (Tiritiri Wharf to Lighthouse, 40 minutes)This track provides one of the best opportunities to see Tiritiri Matangi’s birdlife in its natural environment as you meander through planted and remnant bush along a gravelled and boardwalked track. Tūī, saddleback and bellbird are common, but sharp eyes might also sight whitehead, stitchbird, North Island robin and, if you are lucky, kōkako. This track includes several sets of steps, so baby buggies can be awkward unless you are happy to do a little lifting.

Hobbs Beach Track (Tiritiri Wharf to Hobbs Beach, 10 minutes)This track runs along a rocky coastline to Hobbs Beach (named after the family who farmed the island for many years), which has a sandy beach and is good for swimming and picnicking. There are good views back to the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, and walkers are often entertained by kererū/New Zealand pigeon swooping through the air in their impressive display flights. Look out for kororā/little penguin boxes at the side of the track. These are often occupied during the spring, and visitors may gently lift the inspection lids to observe the nesting birds.

Kawerau Track (north end of Hobbs Beach to Ridge Road, 30–40 minutes)This track climbs a short distance up from Hobbs Beach to join a boardwalk that continues steadily upwards, through some of the oldest bush on the island, including massive pōhutukawa and a large pūriri tree. Most of Tiritiri Matangi’s birdlife can be seen here — watch out in particular for the tiny rifleman and elusive kōkako. A 15‑minute detour to the Kawerau Pā site offers panoramic views back to the mainland. The boardwalk has many steps.

Ridge Road (from end of Kawerau Track to Lighthouse, 25 minutes)This vehicle track runs along the spine of the island roughly north‑west to south‑east. Those walking the Kawerau Track can take Tōtara Track to join Ridge Road near its northern end.

A mowed grass track runs parallel to Ridge Road for much of its length, offering pleasant walking through regenerating bush. There are several tracks leading off to the east or west coasts for those looking to explore further. At the southern end, near the lighthouse, the grass track crosses a steep hill from which, on clear days, there are good views of surrounding islands and the Hauraki Gulf.

Ngāti Paoa Track, Northeast Bay Track and East Coast Track (Kawerau Track to Northeast Bay to Lighthouse, 1 hour 30 minutes)The first section of this longer walk winds around the northern end of the island, where flax is the dominant planting and, in spring, red‑crowned parakeets are often found feeding. Most of the track is on high ground, and there are several good viewing points out over the rocky shoreline and across to Wooded Island. The track continues past the site of Papakura Pā and Northeast Bay, both important sites of early Māori occupation. The next section along East Coast Track to the lighthouse is beautiful, with views out to Coromandel and Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island). Both these sections include steep areas, and walkers need to have a good level of fitness.

Popular track combinationsThe many tracks and paths around Tiritiri Matangi provide lots of opportunities for round trips. Below are three suggested loops from Tiritiri Wharf.

Wattle Track loop (1 hour)Tiritiri Wharf–Wharf Road–Lighthouse–Wattle Track–Tiritiri Wharf

Kawerau Track loop (3 hours)Tiritiri Wharf–Hobbs Beach–Kawerau Track–Ridge Road–Lighthouse–Wattle Track–Tiritiri Wharf

Island loop (4 hours — reasonable fitness required)Tiritiri Wharf–Hobbs Beach–Kawerau Track–Ridge Road–Ngāti Paoa Track–Northeast Bay Track–East Coast Track–Lighthouse–Wattle Track–Tiritiri Wharf

1940 2002. Photo: Alex Mitchell

School group and brown teals. Photo: Mitsuro Aoyagi

Guide and visitor look at burrow. Photo: Mario Marzuki Guided tour on Tiritiri boardwalk. Photo: Liz Maire

Tiritiri Matangi Shop. Photo: Mary‑Ann Rowland

360 Discovery ferry. Photo: Steve Molloy

Tūī i

n kō

wha

i. Ph

oto:

Mar

tin S

ande

rs

Photo: Mike Fuller

The replanting programme

A comprehensive native replanting programme began on Tiritiri Matangi in 1984 with the combined aims of accelerating the natural regeneration of the coastal forest and providing a rich and varied habitat for native bird, reptile and insect species.In 1983, a nursery was set up on the island specifically to grow plants from seed gathered on the island. This became a cornerstone of the revegetation programme.Initially, pōhutukawa was the main tree planted. This fast‑growing tree formed a canopy for slower‑growing species, shading out the thick grass and providing shelter from the exposed conditions.At the same time, taraire, kohekohe, pūriri and many other trees were planted. Bird droppings are now helping to spread seeds, contributing to the regrowth of the forest.By the completion of the planting programme in 1994, over 280 000 trees had been planted. The programme’s success is fundamentally due to the support and involvement of thousands of volunteers, with most of the planting sessions carried out by visiting groups, including conservation groups, service organisations, school groups and sports clubs.

Exploring Tiritiri Matangi

Wattle Track (Tiritiri Wharf to Lighthouse, 40 minutes)This track provides one of the best opportunities to see Tiritiri Matangi’s birdlife in its natural environment as you meander through planted and remnant bush along a gravelled and boardwalked track. Tūī, saddleback and bellbird are common, but sharp eyes might also sight whitehead, stitchbird, North Island robin and, if you are lucky, kōkako. This track includes several sets of steps, so baby buggies can be awkward unless you are happy to do a little lifting.

Hobbs Beach Track (Tiritiri Wharf to Hobbs Beach, 10 minutes)This track runs along a rocky coastline to Hobbs Beach (named after the family who farmed the island for many years), which has a sandy beach and is good for swimming and picnicking. There are good views back to the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, and walkers are often entertained by kererū/New Zealand pigeon swooping through the air in their impressive display flights. Look out for kororā/little penguin boxes at the side of the track. These are often occupied during the spring, and visitors may gently lift the inspection lids to observe the nesting birds.

Kawerau Track (north end of Hobbs Beach to Ridge Road, 30–40 minutes)This track climbs a short distance up from Hobbs Beach to join a boardwalk that continues steadily upwards, through some of the oldest bush on the island, including massive pōhutukawa and a large pūriri tree. Most of Tiritiri Matangi’s birdlife can be seen here — watch out in particular for the tiny rifleman and elusive kōkako. A 15‑minute detour to the Kawerau Pā site offers panoramic views back to the mainland. The boardwalk has many steps.

Ridge Road (from end of Kawerau Track to Lighthouse, 25 minutes)This vehicle track runs along the spine of the island roughly north‑west to south‑east. Those walking the Kawerau Track can take Tōtara Track to join Ridge Road near its northern end.

A mowed grass track runs parallel to Ridge Road for much of its length, offering pleasant walking through regenerating bush. There are several tracks leading off to the east or west coasts for those looking to explore further. At the southern end, near the lighthouse, the grass track crosses a steep hill from which, on clear days, there are good views of surrounding islands and the Hauraki Gulf.

Ngāti Paoa Track, Northeast Bay Track and East Coast Track (Kawerau Track to Northeast Bay to Lighthouse, 1 hour 30 minutes)The first section of this longer walk winds around the northern end of the island, where flax is the dominant planting and, in spring, red‑crowned parakeets are often found feeding. Most of the track is on high ground, and there are several good viewing points out over the rocky shoreline and across to Wooded Island. The track continues past the site of Papakura Pā and Northeast Bay, both important sites of early Māori occupation. The next section along East Coast Track to the lighthouse is beautiful, with views out to Coromandel and Great Barrier Island (Aotea Island). Both these sections include steep areas, and walkers need to have a good level of fitness.

Popular track combinationsThe many tracks and paths around Tiritiri Matangi provide lots of opportunities for round trips. Below are three suggested loops from Tiritiri Wharf.

Wattle Track loop (1 hour)Tiritiri Wharf–Wharf Road–Lighthouse–Wattle Track–Tiritiri Wharf

Kawerau Track loop (3 hours)Tiritiri Wharf–Hobbs Beach–Kawerau Track–Ridge Road–Lighthouse–Wattle Track–Tiritiri Wharf

Island loop (4 hours — reasonable fitness required)Tiritiri Wharf–Hobbs Beach–Kawerau Track–Ridge Road–Ngāti Paoa Track–Northeast Bay Track–East Coast Track–Lighthouse–Wattle Track–Tiritiri Wharf

1940 2002. Photo: Alex Mitchell

School group and brown teals. Photo: Mitsuro Aoyagi

Guide and visitor look at burrow. Photo: Mario Marzuki Guided tour on Tiritiri boardwalk. Photo: Liz Maire

Tiritiri Matangi Shop. Photo: Mary‑Ann Rowland

360 Discovery ferry. Photo: Steve Molloy

Tūī i

n kō

wha

i. Ph

oto:

Mar

tin S

ande

rs

Photo: Mike Fuller