Moments That Mattered: Visitors Share Their Tiritiri Experience - Mark, Iowa, USA.

Questions answered by Mark Hubing. Iowa City, Iowa. USA.Header image: Derek Tearne

    1. What made you decide to visit Tiritiri Matangi?

    Research on TripAdvisor.  Reasonable cost.  And for as a first timer, using the services of a guide.  The island itself was wonderful, but you also get a great water tour, during the back and forth ferry journey.  And I liked the idea of a smaller group tour.  And away from the city center.  Peace and quiet.

    2. What did you enjoy or find most memorable about the guided walk?

    Our guide  was well informed, and a joy to visit with.  Along with bird knowledge, she was quite familiar with the trees and plants.  She took her time with taking us around.  Not rushed at all.

    3. Was there a particular bird, plant, or moment that stood out to you?

    Sadly I can not recall a specific bird or plant.  However the approach to the island on the ferry, and some of the hike near the water, really stood out.

    4. How did the visit make you feel or change your perspective?

    The visit made me feel we were experiencing something special.  So special that you hope the island continues to thrive.  That special plants and birds and plants are here, makes you really think.  And the constant challenge to keep invasive plants and animals off the island.

    5. Would you recommend the experience to others?

    I almost don’t want to recommend the experience, because of  the more that visit, the higher the chance of an invasive species getting in.  So continual education of the visitors, with regular reminders, is what you have to do.  But yes, this experience is highly recommended.  Just respect the rules.  

Mark’s TripAdvisor review:

Jan 2025 • Couples
My wife and I booked the 9 am Auckland-Tiritiri Matangi return trip through Explore. We booked months in advance, also paying a minimal fee for the guided walk on the island. Check-in for the tour was at the Explore kiosk at least 15 minutes prior to departure. Plenty of biosecurity warnings for this trip, including clean footwear, clothing, and bags. A pest-free island, they do what they can to keep it that way. Our tour guide on the island was Briar. She did a great job with our group. She was very friendly and gave us plenty of information during our walk, including info about the birds we saw, heard, and info on trees and plants. You have a choice at drop off on the island for a short tour or a longer tour. We chose the longer tour. No problem, as our group was very leisurely. Island facilities include the Visitor Centre, heritage buildings, toilets and shelters. Drinks and souvenirs can be purchased at the Visitor Centre. The vessel back to the Auckland wharf departed at 2:40pm, arriving back around 4pm. We had a great visit, and would do it again. If I did it again, we would tour the island on our own, to see much more of the island.

Click on the image below to find out more about the Guided Walks

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