Journey Planner
heading to Tiritiri Matangi Island
world-renowned bird sanctuary
Tiritiri Matangi Island is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary for New Zealand's native and coastal birds situated in the Hauraki Gulf only a 75 minute ferry ride away from downtown Auckland (via Gulf Harbour). The island is a protected haven for native and endangered species, and is a nature lover’s paradise, particularly for avid birdwatchers. From the moment you step onto the island to the moment you leave, you’ll be serenaded by bird songs while exploring walking tracks through native bush and coastal forests.
As well as wonderful wildlife, Tiritiri Matangi has a 150 year old lighthouse, a Visitor Centre, some great walks, views and beaches. Most visitors start with a guided walk which finishes at the Tiritiri Visitor Centre where there are informative displays and a great gift shop with complimentary tea and coffee. All profits from the shop go back to supporting the conservation and education programmes on the island. There are plenty of tables outside to have your lunch and if it’s wet there’s plenty of room in the Visitor Centre.
Tiritiri Matangi, meaning “tossed by the wind”, is an open Scientific Reserve managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) in partnership with the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi Inc. The island is one of the world’s most successful volunteer conservation projects. It’s been re-vegetated with around 300,000 native trees, and now has also seen 12 of New Zealand’s endangered birds and 3 reptile species successfully re-introduced to the island. The “open sanctuary” status allows 170 ferry visitors daily from Wednesday to Sunday onto the island.
Working in conjunction with 360 Discovery, the Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary offers a range of activities on the island, all of which promise to teach you more about our native wildlife and the history of Tiritiri Matangi Island.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED FOR YOUR WHOLE TRIP?
Tiritiri Matangi is a full day activity.
WHAT TO BRING
- Good walking shoes, sun block and a sun hat.
- Swimming gear and a towel.
- Plenty of water, snacks and lunch.
- A light rain jacket, depending on the time of year and conditions.
- There are no rubbish bins on pest-free islands. Please remember to take all your rubbish, including leftover food, off the island with you.
Please read our 'extra info' tab for additional info on Tiri and about staying overnight!
Book Your Guided Walk please contact our team on 09 307 8005
Please note: On the day of sailing, visitors are required to phone the Tiritiri Matangi confirmation line after 7am to confirm sailing. Ph: 09 916 2241.
Use our Journey Planner above to see when the next available ferry is.
Journey time approx. 75 minutes from downtown Auckland.
Bookings are essential.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED FOR YOUR WHOLE TRIP?
Tiritiri Matangi is a full day activity.
WHAT TO BRING
- Good walking shoes, sun block and a sun hat.
- Swimming gear and a towel.
- Plenty of water, snacks and lunch.
- A light rain jacket, depending on the time of year and conditions.
- There are no rubbish bins on pest-free islands. Please remember to take all your rubbish, including leftover food, off the island with you.
IS TIRITIRI MATANGI ISLAND WHEELCHAIR/STROLLER FRIENDLY?
Yes, but you need to be aware that access to many parts of the Island will be difficult. Many visitors bring a child's buggy and still take the popular routes from the wharf to and from the buildings, but there are steps, so you need to be prepared to lift the buggy when necessary. A wheelchair is less practical because of its size, but the area immediately around the Visitor Centre is accessible to wheelchairs, as is the route to the public toilets near the wharf. Wheelchair-bound visitors can enjoy many of the Island's birds and plants around the Visitor Centre.
IMPORTANT BIOSECURITY INFORMATION
This island is pest-free and provides a sanctuary for our native wildlife. Please help to ensure the island stays pest-free. Our vessels are licensed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Auckland Council to visit islands in the Hauraki Gulf. We run a biosecurity system on all our vessels which meet the criteria to hold a ‘Pest-Free Warrant’ for the Hauraki Gulf.
What you need to do to prepare for your trip to pest-free Tiritiri Matangi Island:
- Please check your bags for stowaways, such as mice, rats, Argentine Ants and Rainbow Skinks to name a few.
- Ensure your footwear, clothing and bags are clean and free of soil and seeds.
- Your lunch must be packed in a rodent-proof/ sealed container e.g. hard plastic.
- No open bags or boxes will be allowed on-board. Everything you bring must be sealed or zipped closed.
STAYING OVERNIGHT?
For a truly unique experience, stay overnight on Tiritiri Matangi. Observe New Zealand's nocturnal wildlife emerging as the sun goes down and wake up to Tiritiri's world famous dawn chorus. The little penguin (the world’s smallest penguin), and the little spotted kiwi, are just some of the wildlife you may be lucky to see.
If you’d like to stay on the island overnight book your accommodation here or call DOC (Department of Conservation) on 09 425 7812.
Important: To book your ferry ticket for an overnight stay on the island, call our ticket office on 09 307 8005. Overnight ferry tickets cannot be booked online.
Please remember:
- Overnight gear (e.g. bedding, equipment) must be thoroughly checked for pest stowaways.
- Food must be packed into rodent-proof/ sealed containers.
- If you have any doubts or questions about your packed items please ask customer services staff or the boat crew.
Visit treasureislands.co.nz for further information on biosecurity and the Pest-free Warrant.
