A westerly storm had threatened our trip to Tiri Tiri Matangi Island  but fortunately it went ahead despite the rough seas. The rough conditions were confirmed when our ferry was diverted to assist a yacht with an injured sailor on board. However the seas were far too dangerous and the yacht headed for Gulf Harbour. There were 18 folk in our party and we made our way along the Wattle track up to the Light House and Visitors Centre. We had good views of Bellbirds and Stitchbirds but the Saddlebacks were scarce probably due to the windy conditions. After lunch we walked along the central Ridge track to North East Bay and returned along the Kawerau track. Along the way we saw Whiteheads, Brown Quail and Kakariki. Again the rough seas made reboarding the ferry quite a challenge but we were soon safely on our way back to Gulf Harbour and Auckland.