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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

TIRITIRI MATANGI ISLAND - A PIECE OF PARADISE AT OUR DOORSTEP


Over the last few months I have made several journey's to Tiritiri Matangi Island  not only with friends but also alone to savour all that Tiri has to offer.
Tiritiri Matangi is a Island Bird Sanctuary and you can read all about it's history and all that it has to offer  by clicking  on the link below. http://www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz/


Getting across from Gulf Harbour Marina (5 minutes drive from our B & B) is easy. We can arrange this for you, or you can click on  the link below which will take you to the ferry service operating out of Gulf Harbour.
http://www.360discovery.co.nz/timetables-fares/tiritiri-matangi-island-timetable.php.


In the Spring when the Kowhai ( Sophora microphylla) were in flower I went with a group of friends whom I had walked the Tongiriro Crossing with a couple of years previously.  This was a way of getting to know where each of us lived and what each area had to offer.  As the boat was  leaving the Gulf HarbourMarina, Fur Seals were basking in the sun on the breakwater.
 
( Sophora microphylla) 

When we disembarked at Tiri we were greeted by the Resident D.O.C. (Department of Conservation) Ranger who gave us a brief talk before handing over to the Guide Manager who assigned small groups to the waiting Volunteer Guides. This is a worthwhile thing to do at only $5.00 each.. The Guides are enthusiastic about the Island and know where the best places are to view the birds and each time you go, you can be assured of learning something new.


                
As we walked up the track we were shown a 'midden'where early Maori had dug a hole to bury there garbage, the shells are visible on the side of the bank.

We were soon to see Whitehead (Popokatea), Fantail (Piwakawaka), Kingfisher (Kotare), Bellbird (Korimako), North Island Robin (Toutouwai) and the Red-Crowned Parakeet (Kakariki).









At the end of the Guided Walk we arrive at the Information Centre where free coffee and tea is available and a shop selling all sorts of souvenirs to take home with you.
Takahe were out and about, bringing attention to the important information on the Notice Board regarding them and their kind!



All too soon it is time to head back to the wharf, so we made our way back down the tracks stopping now and again to sit and watch the birds feeding. It was then on to the Tiricat and we were on our way back to the mainland. 




Looking back at the Lighthouse



Tiritiri Matangi is a Island Bird Sanctuary and you can read all about it's history and all that it has to offer  by clicking  on the link below. http://www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz/