Very interesting look at local flora in a truly natural setting. It's wonderful the organization supporting this preserve are doing such a great job of keeping this island in the way we might have seen it many years ago (minus a lighthouse, some trails, and a dock).We hiked up to the lighthouse, and a few miles on trails, exploring the views of Coromandel, Auckland, and adjacent islands. Very nice hike.
I really, really liked this island. Gorgeous, with such a diversity of wildlife. I walked around the entire island, and had so many breathtaking views. If you want to see a kiwi, though, go at night.
We recently had a guided walk on this stunningly beautiful island. Not only are the guides helpful cheerful people they are knowledgeable on the island history and the bird life. A wonderful way to get a taste of New Zealand country side and wild life. I cant wait to go back again.
spectacular views and lovely guides but not great beds. Bunk beds are less than sexy for a couple but the island was so amazing we would do it again :D saw a kiwis bum running away when out in the night and found blue penguins "mating". would so recommend to anyone interested in birds and wildlife xx
A great day out for anyone with even the slightest interest in nature. The island is full of wildlife.The extra $5 for the guided tour is the biggest bargain you'll get all week. The volunteer guides are all passionate about the island and their enthusiasm is infectious. You'll be split into groups of no more than 5-6 people per guide so no danger of being stuck at the back struggling to hear what is being said.A few things to note- Free free tea and coffee is available at the visitor centre, but no food for sale so you'll need to bring lunch.- Many of the paths are boardwalks so it's not rough going but there are plenty of steps and uphill slopes. Comfortable footwear is a must, as is a bottle of water.
The trip to this nature predator free preserve is so worthwhile & for only an additional $5 to ur ferry ticket you get a knowledgeable 1-2 hour tour along one of the many paths.Saw many birds species and enjoyed the terrain, walk and weather
This was an absolutely fantastic day out starting with a small boat trip from Gulf Harbour. On arrival we were split up into small groups of about 7/8 people. Excellent knowledgeable guide and we were lucky to see most of endangered birds. Our walk was about 2hours long and ended at the visitor centre near the lighthouse. Here they had feeder stations and we saw lots of Tui's. Just remember you need to take your own food and take all your rubbish back with you. Be warned very basic toilet facilities go on the boat beforehand.
What a fantastic day this was--definitely my favorite part of Auckland trip. I love birds, always listening and wanting to know "who's that?!" Tiritiri is *full* of rare birds, easily seen, and oh so lovely to hear. We saw close to 15 different species, including nesting blue penguins. Many rare species being brought back from near extinction through careful habitat restoration efforts. The island is quite a tribute to ecological restoration. Interesting to hear what has worked and where mistakes were made, even with best of intentions. The $5 tour is well worth it! Learned so much from our lovely guide Rose. I opted for the "shorter" lower trail (there's a longer trail that goes up through older, taller growth) and was so glad I chose that route. Departure time on ferry is 9am sharp; time on the island is 10:30 - 3:30, which sounds long but actually is not! Our tour arrived at the Lighthouse picnic area about 1pm, which left just enough time for picnic lunch (finally, a toilet break!), then leisurely hike back to ferry. The groups on the longer tour didn't get to the Lighthouse until nearly 2pm. I would have been hangry and desperate for loo by then. It's easy to take the longer trail on the way back and it's all downhill then!
Back again after last year's first visit. Went on two consecutive days this time. As good as ever but we were fortunate to see a kokako as well as saddlebacks and the takahe family. You don't have to be a keen bird watcher to enjoy this island. The volunteer guides are excellent too.
A wonderful place to see native plants , trees and bird life. Being predator free,means the birds are not frightened by anything and some will come quite close.