March 07 2020
Overview
Calling all junior scientists! On March 7th 2020, we’re doing a one-day survey to identify the flora and fauna that live on Rotoroa Island. And we need your help!
The Island
Rotoroa is an island sanctuary for New Zealand’s endangered animals, you can explore four beautiful beaches and meet takahe, tieke, weka, as well as many other threatened New Zealand species.
This is the perfect chance to bring your family to an island paradise and contribute to NZ Bird Altas 5-year mapping project.
Grab an ecosystem fan deck and an observation map and make special note of the wildlife and plants you see around the island. We’ll collate all the info from your junior scientists and load these on NZ Bird Atlas. Keen birders who want to submit directly, download the free Bird Atlas (ebird) app via this link - birdatlas.co.nz/#!/how-to-take-part/. New Zealand Bird Atlas.
Rangers will also be onhand to share the tools used on island to protect our wildlife and keep Rotoroa Island predator free.
Our four beaches are Men’s Bay, Ladies’ Bay, Mai Mai Bay and Cable Bay. They are great for picnics and swimming.
Day Plan
8:45am - Ferry departs Downtown Auckland
9:30am - Ferry departs Orapiu
10:00am - Arrive on Rotoroa Island. Welcome and collect your observation map, along with a ecosystem fan deck (free to borrow) - Complete your survery in your own time (each survey takes between 5 min - 1 hour). Free to explore the island! Colouring activities all day in the Salisbury room.
11:00am - Guided Nature Walk (bookings required)
5:15pm - Ferry departs Rotoroa Island
Sign up to the Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/651203755682960/
What to bring
- Your own food and plenty of water as there are no shops on the island other than our kiosk which sells Rotoroa Island merchandise and Dr Feel Good Ice Blocks!
- Walking shoes, sunblock, and a sun hat.
Important pest-free island info
- 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.
Read more before you visit a pest-free island here.
Cancellations
While unlikely to cancel unless terrible weather, here's how you can be sure it's going ahead. Check our website or Facebook page where we'll post a cancellation notification.
If you are unsure, please call the island's duty phone on the morning of the volunteer day: 09 283 0849.
Image Gallery
Rotoroa Family Day
Ph: James Gow Photography
Rotoroa Family Day
Rotoroa Family Day
Ph: James Gow Photography
Rotoroa Family Day
discover Rotoroa Island
