Working Weekends
Working Weekends Working Weekends are a wonderful way to help out, get to know the island better and be part of what is happening on Tiritiri Matangi. Four times a year on the Working Weekends you have the opportunity to join longer-term large projects such as infrastructure restoration and improvements, building and track upgrades and maintenance, and occasionally, biodiversity enhancements. Or you might find that much needed restorative clearing of tracks is what suits you. There is always a variety of tasks some of which may include heavy lifting and require a good level of fitness however there are also less strenuous tasks for those less energetic. Many of the working weekenders are regulars who love the sense of contributing to the Island and enjoy the camaraderie in the bunkhouse at the end of the day. Before a shared dinner, you will have time for a walk and maybe a swim. Often after morning, there is the opportunity to hear the birds’ chorus as they greet the sun at dawn. Hosted by some of our most experienced guides, there are a number of activities held throughout the weekend, including a night walk and a dawn chorus outing. Working Weekends occur on Auckland Anniversary Day, Easter, King’s Birthday and Labour Weekends. Workdays are 8:00am – 4:00pm with an hour for lunch. All enquiries and bookings can be made through the…
Supporters Weekends
Supporters WeekendsCome and enjoy an overnight stay on the island and experience the camaraderie of other Supporters on a fascinating night walk and the early morning dawn chorus. You can also join in with one of the guided tours either on Saturday or Sunday.
Explore Group offer half-price ferry fares on application to jenny@exploregroup.co.nz and quote your membership number. The bunkhouse cost is $42 per night per adult, $21 per child up to and including 16 years.
Contact the Guide Manager on shop@tiritirimatangi.org.nz for inquiries or bookings. Please quote your membership number and contact phone number. Your membership must be current at the time of your stay to be eligible.
Dates for 2025
8 March
5 July
6 September
4 October
Tiritiri Matangi Talks
Tiritiri Matangi TalksOur SoTM Tiritiri Matangi Talks are free for all supporters. These talks are held in the evenings in Central Auckland.
Photography Walks
Tiritiri Matangi Photography WalksJoin the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi for a Guided Photography Walk - a unique experience for anyone with an interest in photography visiting Tiritiri Matangi IslandCapture the magic of Tiritiri Matangi Island through the lens on these special walks with an experienced Supporter of Tiritiri Matangi Island photographer. Duration: 2 hour guided walk Click to book2025 dates: Saturday 29 March Saturday 12 April Saturday 26 April Saturday 3 May
Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse Open Day - TBC
Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse Open Day - TBC Take advantage of this rare chance to delve into New Zealand’s maritime history by visiting the country’s oldest operational lighthouse. Climb the stairs for a breathtaking view of the Hauraki Gulf and explore the inner workings of this historic beacon. Constructing the lighthouse was a formidable challenge, costing £5,747. Builders had to dig through 3 meters of thick, boggy, clay-like mud for four months to reach stable ground suitable for construction. Materials were shipped to the island and then transported to the site on sledges hauled by bullocks over treacherous terrain. Despite these difficulties, the original tower still stands, though the light itself has seen numerous updates since it was first illuminated on January 1, 1865. The open day is held in memory of Ray Walter, who passed away last year. Ray began his role as the Tiritiri Matangi lighthouse keeper in 1980, during a period when New Zealand was transitioning to automated lighthouses. By 1984, he found himself out of work. However, the Island Conservation Project offered him a new opportunity as a supervisor for Lands and Survey (now the Department of Conservation), and he assumed management of the project in 1985. His enduring impact is evident in the 283,000 trees he helped plant on the island, which have contributed to the lush,…
Tiritiri Matangi Dawn Chorus
Tiritiri Matangi Dawn Chorus 4th October 2025This is a unique opportunity to start the day with New Zealand’s original dawn chorus surrounded by native bush and birdlife as the sun rises over the beautiful Hauraki Gulf...Every spring, the Supporters of Tiritiri Matangi, in conjunction with Explore Group and the Department of Conservation, organise a special early morning ferry for visitors to experience the Tiritiri Matangi Dawn Chorus. Spring is the very best time to visit the island for the Dawn Chorus – immerse yourself in birdsong surrounded by rare birds and native forest as the sun rises…and with a little luck you may even hear the exclusive kōkako! Book now Saturday 4 October (rain date 11th October) Times Departs Auckland: 4:00am | via Gulf Harbour: 4:55am | Arrives Tiritiri Matangi Island: 5:20am Departs Tiritiri Matangi Island: 10:00am | via Gulf Harbour: 10:25am | Arrives Auckland: 11:15am Please be at the wharf 15 minutes prior to your confirmed departure time Duration 7 hours