08 Jan 2022

Exploring the Conservation Wonderland of Tiritiri Matangi

This morning we woke to a glorious day as Heritage Explorer sat at anchor in the lee of Rakino Island with the slopes of Mt. Rangitoto, New Zealand's youngest volcano, rising behind Motutapu Island to the west.

During breakfast we sailed northwards to Tiritiri Matangi where we were met ashore by our guides from Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi. Already the northern summer sun was warming us as we set forth to explore.

"Tiri", as it is commonly referred to, is one of the true gems of New Zealand conservation having been restored to its current glorious state from primarily bare farmland through the work of thousands of countless volunteer hours. The birds were all around us as we explored the trails with sightings of Kokako, Hihi or Stitchbird, Takahe, Saddleback or Tieke, a newly fledged Morepork, gregarious Whitehead and flocks of Bellbirds and Tui... to name just a few. Arriving early we had the island almost to ourselves, which was glorious way to start our time ashore.

During the afternoon Heritage Explorer sailed northwards, passing Kawau Island and then onwards passing the spectacularly rugged Little Barrier Island. Sailing the Hauraki Gulf we were treated to some excellent seabird sightings including Buller's Shearwater, Cook's Petrel and, a highlight for many, Bryde's Whale sightings. Tonight we are anchored in Port Fitzroy, ready to explore Great Barrier Island tomorrow.

Image © A.Russ, Heritage Expeditions