Tiritiri Matangi Island Scientific Reserve

Tiritiri Matangi Island Scientific Reserve is a protected nature reserve in the Auckland Region dedicated to bird conservation and habitat restoration. The island features diverse ecosystems including coastal forests and open grasslands, home to numerous bird species and native plants found nowhere else.

The site was designated as a scientific reserve in 1974 and began systematic restoration efforts to recover the original ecosystem. Decades of conservation work have led to the successful return of many species that had disappeared or were nearly extinct in the region.

The reserve is accessible by ferry from Auckland and can be explored on foot using marked trails that wind through different habitats. The best time to visit is during warmer months when bird watching is easiest and plant life is at its most active.

Much of the work here is done by volunteers who have planted thousands of trees and removed invasive species to restore the land. This community effort has transformed the island into a global example of ecosystem recovery through hands-on conservation.