International students visit Tiritiri Matangi wildlife sanctuary
Posted on July 30, 2024
A group of 25 international students, currently studying at Macleans College, undertook a day trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island.
The students were full of excitement when their day started early with a beautiful crisp blue sky morning. After a ferry ride from Half Moon Bay, the students and staff boarded the Explorer ferry and travelled to the motu with a quick stopover at Gulf Harbour to pick up volunteer guides.
Located in the Hauraki Gulf, Tiritiri Matangi is one of New Zealand’s oldest island sanctuaries - brimming with wildlife rarely seen on the mainland. With 22 hectares, uninhabited except for the two Department of Conservation rangers, there was much to see and learn.
During the walk of the Kawerau Track, the knowledgeable guides told intriguing true stories about the rare birds, plants and animals on the island. The students were shown traces of the early settlement and remains of wartime co-occupation were pointed out. The lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in New Zealand, although these days it is operated by solar panels and batteries with a diesel generator backup.
The students were fortunate enough to sight the kōkako, tīeke (saddleback), takahē, wētāpunga (giant wētā), ruru (morepork) hihi (stitchbird), tūī’s and many korimako (bellbird) and pīwakawaka (fantails). From the top of the island the students enjoyed impressive views across the Hauraki Gulf and out to the Coromandel Peninsula and Little and Great Barrier Islands. After a wholesome lunch outside the visitor centre and some souvenir shopping, the group returned to the ferry via a walk to the eastern side of the island.
On the return ferry journey some students enjoyed a nap in the warmth, while others braced the elements on the top outdoor deck. It was a memorable day for students and one which Macleans College looks forward to repeating for other visiting international students.
