Tiritiri Matangi Island is a stunning wildlife sanctuary for New Zealand’s native birds, and an important conservation project. From the moment you step onto the island to the moment you leave, you’ll be serenaded by birdsong.
A protected haven for endangered species, the island is a nature lover’s paradise, particularly for avid birdwatchers. Beyond native wildlife, Tiritiri Matangi is home to a 150-year-old lighthouse, a network of trail walks through lush coastal forest, plus pristine beaches and spectacular views.
Located in the Hauraki Gulf, this predator-free island is a 75-minute ferry ride from the Downtown Auckland ferry terminal. You can also catch the ferry from Gulf Harbour on the Whangaparoa Peninsula - only a 20-minute journey to the island.
This is a full-day activity due to the ferry timetable and travel time to the island from downtown Auckland. Bookings are recommended. For ferry timetables click here.
If you're planning to stay overnight, you will need to contact us to book your return ferry tickets. Please call 0800 FULLERS (+64 9 367 9111).
You can book accommodation in the island's bunkhouse, which is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). To book visit the DOC website here.
Please be aware that the bunkhouse is often used by volunteers and researchers, and that public beds are often booked up several months ahead, so it is wise to plan your trip well in advance. There is usually more space available in the winter months. Please pay close attention to the biosecurity requirements when planning an overnight visit. Camping is not permitted on the Island.
Read more before you visit a pest-free island here
Your safety is important to us. To ensure that your journey is smooth sailing please follow our On-Board Safety Guidelines.
Our tours are very popular! To ensure travel on a specific day, please book your tour in advance to avoid disappointment. Please follow the booking instructions below:
Call our Customer Care Team on 09 376 9111 HOURS OF OPERATION: Mon – Sun: 7:00am – 8:00pm
Or visit a Fullers360 ticket office AUCKLAND CITY: Pier 2 Downtown Ferry Terminal DEVONPORT WHARF: Ferry Terminal WAIHEKE ISLAND: Matiatia Ferry Terminal
1. If you are redeeming by phone with our Customer Care Team please quote the reference number from the REF# box
2. Pick your date and time of travel
3. You will be issued an e-ticket via email which will be your tour + ferry ticket for travel
4. OR if you are redeeming at a ticket office, you will receive a tour + ferry ticket for travel
All vouchers are non-refundable and valid for 12 months from the purchase date. Vouchers are not redeemable for cash. Specific products are subject to availability at time of voucher redemption. For full terms and conditions please click here.
Bookings are recommended for Tiritiri Matangi and we recommend arriving at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes prior to ferry departure.
Tiritiri Matangi is a full day activity due to the ferry service timetable. It’s possible to extend your stay at certain times of the year by staying overnight in the island bunkhouse if you book in advance (see ‘Can I stay on the island?’ further down).
There are no food outlets on the island so please bring your own food and water. All food must be packed in a rodent-proof, sealed container (e.g. hard plastic). There is a visitor centre and gift shop at the top of the hill near the lighthouse. The visitor centre provides complimentary coffee and tea, and the gift shop has cold drinks available for purchase – generally open 11 am to 3 pm on days the ferry visits.
There are no rubbish bins on pest-free islands. Please remember to take all your rubbish, including leftover food, off the island with you. Read more about visiting a pest-free island here.
There are no rubbish bins on pest-free islands. Please remember to take all your rubbish, including leftover food, off the island with you. Read more about visiting a pest-free island here.
Tiritiri Matangi Island has a range of native and non-native wildlife to see and hear on the island. Visit our wildlife page here to see what’s in store for you to experience.
Tiritiri Matangi is great for children 5 years and over, as there are easy walking tracks and plenty of opportunities to view wildlife.
Yes, but please be aware that access to many parts of the Island will be difficult. There are limited areas around the visitor centre and towards the lighthouse where you can use a buggy or stroller. However there are steps and inclines so please be aware of this when deciding. Also, if you're bringing a stroller please be sure to remove any soil or seeds from the treads.
Not really. Getting around on the island with a wheelchair is not very practical. While it is possible, those in a wheelchair will be mostly limited to the area immediately around the visitor centre – where they can still enjoy many of the island’s birds and plants.
No. These items aren’t permitted on the island.
Dogs are not permitted on Tiritiri Matangi Island. You can take a disability assist dog into controlled dog areas without the need for a permit if it is kept under control at all times.
Yes, there are toilets at Tiritiri Matangi Wharf, Hobbs Beach and the Lighthouse area, close to the visitor centre.
Yes, mobile coverage is good on the grass outside the bunkhouse.
Smoking is restricted to the concrete area at the wharf and outside the visitor centre.
Sailings to Tiritiri Matangi Island have limited capacity - this means bookings are essential and valid only for the date and time indicated on the ticket.
Yes - booking space in the island's bunkhouse is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). To book visit the DOC website here.
If you're planning to stay overnight, you will need to contact us to book your return ferry tickets. Please call 0800 FULLERS (+64 9 367 9111).
Please be aware that the bunkhouse is often used by volunteers and researchers, and that public beds are often booked up several months ahead, so it is wise to plan your trip well in advance. There is usually more space available in the winter months. Please pay close attention to the biosecurity requirements when planning an overnight visit. Camping is not permitted on the Island.
IMPORTANT: A same day return ticket does not allow an overnight stay at any of our destinations. Avoid disappointment on the day and check you booked the correct return ferry trip!
No. The ferry stops at Gulf harbour to drop off and pick up passengers.