17 people came along on our trip to Tiritiri Matangi Island on a nice sunny day. We went there on the
Explore ferry departing from Viaduct Harbour at 8:30am, stopping at Gulf Harbour on the way to pick up
some of us. On arrival at Tiritiri Matangi Island at 9:40am we went along the Wattle Valley Walk through
replanted native bush to come to the visitor centre near the lighthouse.
The information centre
had a large display about the island, its history, replanting the paddocks with native bush, and conservation
area for plants and wildlife. Snacks and drinks could be purchased at the shop along with books and souvenirs.
The rest of our time at the island was free to do whatever we like. The lighthouse area was in open
pasture with views out to the Hauraki Gulf. Some of us did various walks on the network of tracks through
the bush, at least two of us did solo walks to the northern part of this island. We occasionally heard
the music of native birds overhead. The shelters near the wharf made for a pleasant wait, with low-tide
foreshore and birdlife, before we boarded the Explore vessel for the homeward journey at 4pm.
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