Tiritiri Matangi Island - May 2008

In mid-May, taking advantage of the still-not-so-bad weather, we took a ferry to and enjoyed a day on "Tiritiri." The island is located 30 kilometers north east of central Auckland. Tiritiri Matangi ("looking to the wind" or "wind tossing about") is an open sanctuary, one of New Zealand's most important and exciting conservation projects. Unwanted predators have been eradicated, and the once-pastoral island has been replanted with native trees. Rare native birds have been returned to its now-safe and restored habitats. Nowhere else in New Zealand can one readily walk amongst so many species of birds in such significant quantities.

Takahes



North Island Kokako



Bellbird



Stichbird



And others whose names I cannot remember







Although the main attraction of the island is the large number of bird species, we couldn't help but feel completely taken by the island's natural beauty













E enjoyed the educational aspect of our trip





a lot!



Eric, Ephraim and I, and our friends from South Africa, Colette and Richard, all had a great time.