Tiritiri Matangi Island Travel Guide

 worldkiwi Says:  One of the main reasons to visit Tiritiri Matangi is to see rare New Zealand wildlife. Our islands have no native mammals, apart from bats and dolphins. So, our birds have developed to fill all sorts of niches. In this picture, you can see a Hihi - or Stichbird. I had never... 

 hunwagner Says:  Some extensive grassy areas, especially along the highest parts of the island, were allowed to remain unforested to provide habitat for grassland species like the Takahe.They also seem to provide favoured picnicing areas for day-trippers! 

 hunwagner Says:  Forests now cover 60% of the island, providing habitat to most of the bird species.Much of this forest is the result of extensive reforestation efforsts by volunteers some 20 yeears ago and is therefore still somewhat low and doesn't look completely natural.Still it is... 

 hunwagner Says:  Another very rare New Zealand endemic which has been reintroduced to Tiritiri, this shy, drab brown bird is resident and breeding at certain water-holes scattered on the island. It is usually seen resting under the vegetation at the water's edge. If you can't find any by... 

 hunwagner Says:  This species has been introduced to New Zealand from Australia, and why it has been allowed to remain on Tiritiri is a bit of a mystery to me - I guess it was judged to be harmless.In any case, while usually a shy species, this quail can sometimes be observed quite close-up... 

 hunwagner Says:  These beautiful birds are now very rare on the main islands of New Zealand, but have fared better on off-shore islands with no predators. They still had to be reintroduced to Tiritiri, and were in fact the first birds to be released here. There are now a fair number of them... 

 hunwagner Says:  Anther endemic that has done relatively well on the mainland too, this large pigeon, like the Tui has actually survived on Tiritiri without having to be reintroduced.Still, it is somewhat scarce and elusive on the island, and you will have to watch out for it!It is usually... 

 hunwagner Says:  This endemic species is still found in good numbers in forests even on the main islands of New Zealand, but some birds from the North Island subspecies have been reintroduced to Tiritiri all the same. They may not look like much in their drab gray feathers, but are still fun... 

 hunwagner Says:  Another great endemic rarity, the Saddleback has also become extinct on the mainland, with the last native populations surviving on Hen Island off Northland, a few islets off Stewart Island. The birds on Tiritiri are descendants of the Hen Island birds, representing the... 

 hunwagner Says:   As nature, particularly birds are the main attraction here, anyone with an interest in them will want to have a guide to identify what is encountered.Many good guides are sold in the souvenir shop, so have a look through them.Of course, you may already want to have one in... 

 hunwagner Says:  The real prize among Tiritiri's birds is the one day-trippers almost never see.Like all kiwis, this species is nocturnal and therefore to see it you will have to stay overnight, go looking for it with a torch - and be lucky!On my first night on the island we saw none, also... 

 hunwagner Says:  Surprise, surprise!Birdwatching is the most popular activitiy here.And if you are new to it, you will be pleased to hear that you could hardly have it easier.Birds are everywhere, and most species are pretty tame, too.The trail up to the lighthouse leads through good forest...