In this section:

Tiritiri Matangi is one of the most successful conservation projects in the world. Unwanted predators have been eradicated, and the once-pastoral island has been replanted with native trees. Rare native birds and animals have been returned to its now-safe and restored habitats. A recent Department of Conservation survey shows the number of little spotted kiwi on the island has grown from 30 to more than 60 since 2002.

You can visit Tiritiri Matangi open sanctuary, located on the Hauraki Gulf, and see some of New Zealand's most endangered birds in the wild, including takahe, kokako, kiwi, saddleback and hihi or stitchbird.


Aerial view of Tiritiri Matangi Island and Whangaraparoa Peninsula.

Tiritiri Matangi Scientific Reserve (Open Sanctuary)

You can be one of the lucky few to visit Tiritiri Matangi each day. This scientific reserve near Auckland is home to many native species due to being predator-free.

Tiritiri Matangi Scientific Reserve.

HistoricTiritiri Matangi

Learn about the historic heritage of Tiritiri Matangi Scientific Reserve, which features a number of Maori and early European sites including the Tiritiri lighthouse complex.

Little spotted kiwi with transmitter attached.  Photo copyright: Auckland Zoo.

Rare kiwi thriving on Tiritiri Matangi

Little spotted kiwi have more than doubled in number on their Hauraki Gulf island home in the last five years, according to the results of a recent Department of Conservation survey.

South view from top of Lighthouse, Tiritiri Matangi Island. Photo: Bruce Connew.

Tiritiri Matangi Island

Find out about school field trips to Tiritiri Matangi Island.