PLEASE READ THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS DOCUMENT BEFORE COMING, IF YOU CAN
The excursion will be on Friday 12th April and will be to Tiritiri Matangi Island in the Hauraki Gulf. This is an additional cost to registration ($100). There are limited places on the tour, but if demand exceeds supply, there will be a waitlist with the possibility of more spaces.
The ferry will leave from the Explore Booking Kiosk at the Auckland Viaduct at 9 am. The ferry is 80 minutes and will arrive at the island at 10.20 am. Departure from the island will be at 2.40pm and will arrive back in Auckland at 4 pm. There is only one ferry per day, so if you miss departure to or from the island you will not be able to go on the excursion, and we are unable to offer any refunds.
This excursion is undertaken with the support of the Manu Whenua of Tiriitri Matangi, Ngāti Manuhiri.
Tiritiri Matangi Island is a 22 hectare island which has been transformed from farmland to a predator-free scientific and nature reserve. It is home to a number of native birds, including some that are threatened or endangered and are there as part of breeding efforts. More information can be found here.
Timetable for the day
8.30: Arrive at the ferry departure point
9:00: Leave for Tiritiri Matangi
10:20: Arrive at the island, biosecurity check
11:00: Split into two groups, visit archaeological sites*
12:00: Groups swap*
13:00: Head to the lighthouse and visitor center (c. 20minute walk)*
14:20: Arrive back at wharf for departure**
14:40: Departure from island
16:00: Arrive back in Auckland
*These times are indicative, and we will move them forward as possible depending on the time the boat arrives and the biosecurity checks.
**We are asking all participants to be back at the departure wharf 20 minutes before departure. If you miss this time you will either delay the departure or miss your trip back to Auckland.
Before you go
Tiritiri is a protected island and has limited amenities. You will need to bring lunch, which we can provide for an additional fee ($19, must be ordered at the time of registration) and have for you at the ferry, or you are free to bring your own. Please bring your own water bottle. Walking shoes and a raincoat are a must, as there is no shelter on the tracks, and the terrain is steep in places.
Being a predator-free island, the Department of Conservation requires that your gear is clean and secured before you depart. Please see the guide below for more information.
The ferry will arrive at Tiritiri Wharf. You are free to explore the island, but please be back for the departing ferry by no later than 2.20pm to ensure an on-time departure. There will be archaeologists who have worked on the island giving talks around Tiritiri Matangi Pa and Hobbs Beach throughout the trip, but you are welcome to explore the island at your leisure. There are a number of walking tracks on the island, but please note some of these are longer than the time available for this trip.
