Tiritiri Matangi Island Discovery - from Auckland

Overview

Mobile ticket

Enjoy a cruise through Tikapa Moana - the Hauraki Gulf on our premium cruise fleet as we make our way to island sanctuary Tiritiri Matangi.

This pest-free island provides a safe haven for a wide range of native species including kōkako, takahē, tīeke and tuatara, that can’t easily be seen anywhere else around the Auckland region, so glimpsing these rare animals is a highlight for many visitors.

Enjoy the time to explore the island's other established walking tracks with dramatic cliff tops, native bush and New Zealand's oldest working lighthouse! For a relaxing afternoon, opt for an easy 10-minute walk from Tiritiri wharf along the coastline to Hobbs Beach, which is the perfect spot for a picnic or a swim.

This island feels like another world all easily accessed from central Auckland or Gulf Harbour.

Departing from Auckland Viaduct: Wed-Fri departs 9:00am | Sat/Sun departs 8:30am

Departing from Gulf Harbour (Whangaparaoa): Wed-Fri departs 9:55am | Sat/Sun departs 9:25am

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

80-minute journey from Auckland Viaduct or 20-minute journey from Gulf Harbour

No food or drinks available on island - can be purchased on board ferry if required.

Food brought onto island must be in a sealed container or bag to keep the island pest-free.

Departs Tiritiri Matangi 2:40pm on Weekdays or 4:00pm on Weekends

15 minutes prior to departure

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Return Ferry from Auckland Viaduct or Gulf Harbour

Multiple hours to explore Tiritiri Matangi Island's walking tracks and beaches.

Air-conditioned vehicle

Restroom on board

Food and drinks not available on Island - please bring a packed lunch.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

What To Expect

Tiritiri Matangi Island

This pest-free island provides a safe haven for a wide range of native species including kōkako, takahē, tīeke and more to flourish. Enjoy the time to explore the island's other established walking tracks with dramatic cliff tops, native bush and quiet beaches. This island feels like another world all easily accessed from central Auckland or Gulf Harbour.

5 hours • Admission Not Applicable

Hauraki Gulf

Enjoy an 80-minute cruise each way through the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland Viaduct or 20-minute express cruise from Gulf Harbour on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

9:55am from Gulf Harbour

Depart Tiritiri Matangi 2:40pm

9:25am from Gulf Harbour

Departs Tiritiri Matangi 4pm

8:30am from Auckland Viaduct

Departs Tiritiri Matangi 4pm

9:00am from Auckland Viaduct

Depart Tiritiri Matangi 2:40pm

Reviews

4.56

9 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Day on Tiritiri Matangi Island
cleveille,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had an unforgettable adventure on Tiritiri Matangi Island! The hike around the island was fantastic! peaceful surrounding, and stunning views. The seashel beach was abeautiful surprise, perfect to take some great photos. The thousand birds and birdsong everywhere was amazing. The cruise to the island was smooth and relaxing, with a clean and comfortable boat. I recommend this trip to anyone that love nature, hicking and birdwatching.
Marci
Marci B,
Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Today was a fantastic day. I think everybody should go out there and I recommend doing the guided tour as well. You can book that when you get to the kiosk to check in.
Amazing! A must see for...
Timothy S,
Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Amazing! A must see for visitors to New Zealand. Bringing back endangered birds. Like being the first explorers to New Zealand!
Terrible, trap you in with a 24hr no refund policy with cancelations happening after that point
NorthStar00282931339,
Apr 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00
1. DO NOT TRUST THIS COMPANY - they don’t have clear communication with third party providers who depend on their ferry rides. I booked with them for a trip that was advertised the day before, and there 24 hour notice period means you are trapped in even if the operator cancels without giving you 24 hours notice. This breaches basic consumer right to be informed, just because of a lack of communication between two providers. They were very unsupportive, spoke with me in a very rude tone when I was just asking for help. A lot of money lost. I’ll be needing to seek help. :(
Birds were amazing, and so close
carolwQ80IA,
Mar 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I wanted to go for the birds. I saw so many birds it was fantastic. The guided walk was amazing(a little longer than told) there is a lot of steps on the boardwalks. All in all I’m so glad I went.
Birding on tiritiri matangi
Kendall F,
Feb 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Lots of walking on steep trails but many birds. The ride over is nice but windy so bring a jacket. Very nice outdoor outing
Bird watching for the non-bird watchers - worth it!
510nicoleo,
Feb 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My cousin and I are not at all bird watchers, but this trip was breathtaking and is not one to be missed. The island is stunning, the volunteer guides are so knowledgeable not only about the birds but able the trees and the land itself, and it's a lovely hike to the top to see gorgeous views of the water and surroundings islands. This was one of our favorite unexpected adventures booked for us through FirstLight Travel.
A must see when you visit New Zealand!!
Linda G,
Jan 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Greg our volunteer guide was very knowledgeable and gave us good insight into the work being done on the island to restore it to its natural bird habitat. Beautiful island and we did see and hear a lot of unique birds.