• Category
    Island Activity
  • Location
    Auckland
  • Operating Season
    Year round

Things to do at Tiritiri Matangi Island

There is more to Tiritiri Matangi Island than the wildlife - discover the island's history, quiet beaches, walks and more...

Discover Wildlife: 

Tiritiri Matangi Island holds precious populations of kōkako, tīeke/saddleback and tuatara that can’t easily be seen anywhere else around the Auckland region, so glimpsing these rare animals is a highlight for many visitors. Find out more about the different species of Birdlife on Tiritiri Matangi Island.


Explore Native forest: 

From 1984 to 1994, volunteers replanted over 280,000 trees and shrubs, starting first with one of the hardiest species, the pōhutukawa. Fast growing, the pōhutukawa formed a canopy for other slower growing species, shading out the thick grass and providing shelter from the exposed conditions. Once cover was established, taraire, kohekohe, pūriri, and many others were planted to recreate the original forest environment, while providing a pantry of nectar and fruit for new wildlife arrivals. Around 60% of the island is now covered in regenerating forest.


Guided Walk: 

Book a small group guided walk with your ferry ticket for an additional $10 per adult or $2.50 per child. Spaces are limited and booking is essential - book online with your ferry ticket to avoid disapointment.


Walking Tracks: 

There are a variety of walks on the island to suit different levels of fitness. The tracks on the eastern side of the island are steeper in parts and more exposed, though they offer spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf . On the western side the bush is denser and has a lower canopy, so you are more likely to have up-close wildlife encounters. Find out more and download a map HERE


Relax on Hobbs Beach: 

Only a 10 minute walk from Tiritiri wharf along the coastline is Hobbs Beach. It has a beautiful sandy beach and is the perfect spot for a picnic or a swim.


Snorkeling:

Bring your snorkel and mask to look for fish on the eastern side of the island, near Northeast Bay or Wooded Island. If you have limited time, head for the rocks off Hobbs Beach or snorkel out to the small island a couple of hundred metres offshore.


Visit the Lighthouse: 

See the oldest working lighthouse in New Zealand. The Tiritiri lighthouse was shipped from England in 1864, and equipped later with a blindingly bright light of one-million candlepower. Its beams stretched over 80 kms! At the lighthouse precinct you will also find a watchtower, lighthouse keepers cottages (which are now used as accommodation) and a diaphonic foghorn.


Visitor Centre: 

Located by the lighthouse is the visitor centre and shop which has guidebooks, souvenirs and cold drinks available for purchase. If you have a keen interest maritime history, ask to be shown the small museum with its display of various kinds of lights and maritime artefacts.


Kiwi Rangers for the Kids:

Pick up a Kiwi Ranger booklet on arrival (just ask any of the guides), complete the tasks and earn a Kiwi Ranger badge. Make sure you visit tiritirimatangi.org.nz to download colouring pages, puzzles and scavenger hunts to do while on the island.