“Today St Cuthberts Year 7 visited Tiritiri Matangi. When we arrived, we admired the crystal clear water and the beautiful greenery that surrounded the island. As we were guided around the Island by the kind guides, we experienced all the beautiful songs of the birds. We learnt so much about all the different kinds and species of birds, trees, plants and so

much about the history of the Island. It was very inspiring to know that our school was part of restoring this beautiful Island. We had so much fun learning about all the cool facts our guide taught us. Our favourite fact was that some wētās, if they land on your hand, it feels the same as when your fingernails dig into your palm.

Thank you so much for having us, we loved the experience.”

Chloe and Lucy

“Our trip to Tiritiri Matangi was spectacular! We learnt various facts about the wildlife there, all sorts of birds and most importantly we learnt about the inspiring history of the Island. Many people used to come to Tiritiri Matangi to plant trees and help make it the beautiful Island you see today. If you do something good, people will remember you! The Island of Tiritiri Matangi is invasive pest-free and definitely worth visiting. It is so interesting and such a beautiful place to visit.”

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Sasha and Lila

“Our school trip began with fog so thick it looked like someone had placed a dolly blanket over Auckland. On the ferry, we could only see the expanse of water and fog and smell the salty air. When we got to Tiritiri Matangi the first thing we noticed was the perfectly clear water that glimmered in the sunlight. When we stepped onto the dock a stingray caught our eyes, it was named ‘smoky’ by Pippa, a girl in our class.

Along our trail, we saw an absence amount of birds. A ruru, a kererū, tūī, tīeke and a kōkako; one of the rarest birds to see. We also saw three wētāpunga, the heaviest insects in the world, and one female tree wētā.

At the top, there was a beautiful view of the forest that was planted by many hardworking volunteers. Our trip was amazing because of our volunteer guides, we will be coming back soon.”

Chloe and Zytak

“Going to Tiritiri Matangi was truly an inspiring experience. We got to explore and learn about all the different types of beautiful birds, insects and plants. We felt proud knowing that in the past St Cuthbert’s planted many trees. Our amazing guide, Neal led us along the way and showed us all the living things around us. We experienced things that we barely get to appreciate and see in Auckland. On the boat ride there, we got to spot the jellyfish. As we were walking around the Island pathways, we could hear all the birds tweeting amongst each other. We also got to admire the breathtaking view and look at the different equipment that was used ever since 1987.

Our trip to Tiritiri Matangi was unforgettable and we want to thank all the teachers and staff at the Island who dedicated their time to make this an unforgettable memory.

Thank you so much this trip!!!”

Mahnoor and Beau-Ruby

“Our visit to Tiritiri Matangi was eye-opening and we will definitely remember it. We heard and experienced the unique wildlife of the Island. We found this trip to be inspiring and we’ve made so many special memories. It was really amazing to be in the same place that St Cuthbert’s old girls had been and had planted trees in many years ago. We hope that we can make such an impact on our planet as they have.

The St Cuthbert’s students would like to recognise and acknowledge all the staff and volunteers at Tiritiri Matangi who went out of their way to show us around and make this experience one to remember”

Ainslie and Kalila