By Sally Hibbard
A hot January morning saw a mixed bunch gathered at Gulf Harbour Marina, right at the end of Whangaparaoa Peninsula. United by sensible footwear and packed lunches we wait for the ferry to take us the mere 20 minutes to the promised island paradise of Tiritiri Matangi. We joined those already aboard from downtown Auckland for a pleasant trip across the water, with gannets skimming the waves alongside.
Our destination is an open sanctuary, meaning the public may visit by ferry or private boat. Comprising around 220ha, farmland has been replanted to reflect the original native flora, and mammalian predators eradicated. This ambitious project achieved success through the combined efforts of the Department of Conservation and thousands of volunteer hours, resulting in a restored habitat now able to support the introduction of numerous native species.
The welcome from a DoC ranger, beginning in te reo, is followed by a biosecurity briefing to ensure no one has inadvertently brought unwanted visitors to the island, a vital message in light of Tiri's precious residents.
Tracks up to the visitor centre are two or three kilometres depending on preference and are all easy to negotiate. Guided walks are $10, with proceeds going to the island and take around 90 minutes, more if it's a particularly good bird-spotting day.
Apart from a welcoming tui swooping overhead on arrival, the first bird sighting is a pāteke or brown teal duck, happily paddling about in a pond at the beginning of the track. A small boy solemnly identifies the bird for those nearby, adding a few interesting factoids for good measure.
Next up is my favourite of Tiri's birds, the saddleback. Resplendent in glossy black plumage with a deep rust cloak, one bird soon became four, with the added bonus of a chick being fed by a parent.