Tiritiri Matangi - A Safe Haven For New Zealand's Endangered Birds
Of the dozens of small islands that rise from the sea around Auckland, none are quite as special as Tiritiri Matangi. This un-assuming little outcrop of land, measuring no more than 220 hectares and just 4km from the mainland is the last refuge for some of New Zealand's rarest and most endangered birds.
Ironically this windswept little island has itself been reclaimed as it was heavily farmed for 2 hundred years and only in 1984 was it decided that Tiritiri would become a sanctuary. In order to achieve this, the island had to be completely swept clean of all rodents and alien pests such as rats and possums. It also had to be re-planted with native vegetation. This image below shows the ferry moored-up at the jetty. Only 150 people per day can visit the island and this ferry is the only means of getting there.
It wont take long to spot your first bird. This King Fisher was there to greet us as we arrived. King Fishers are still fairly common around New Zealand and can often be seen at forested river inlets.
Down at the shore we can see downtown Auckland with its landmark Sky Tower.
Another fairly common sighting on the shores of Auckland's beaches is the Oyster Catcher. They often gather in flocks of over 100 and wait for the tide to change. This pair below is a parent (all in black) with its hungry offspring.
