A few that were supposed to come were put off by what they thought was the forecast. Such a pity, as we had the most amazing day on Tiritiri Matangi. We still had 10 keen trampers, some of the group had been over before, some hadn't. I was a first time Tiri visitor.
The ferry over to Tiri was very calm as the forecasted wind and rain didn't eventuate. We arrived, to a slightly overcast, but perfect tramping weather and the initial cloud cleared quickly to a fairly hot winters day! Some of the group headed up to the visitors centre for an easier day of cruising around the tracks. As it was low tide at 10.21am the rest of us headed around the rocks making the most of the exposed rocks. Only about 15 minutes into the walk we came across a Shag that had fishing wire and sinkers wrapped around it's wing and leg. Disturbing to see a creature in discomfort.
The thing that strikes you as soon as you start walking is the incredible amount of bird life!! Saddlebacks everywhere foraging on the foreshore and just about in every tree. Fascinating to watch, as they were utilising their becks and feet to overturn seaweed and bark finding bugs.
After rounding the point, up and over and back down to the ruggedly spectacular Northeast Bay for lunch constantly flanked by multiple fantails flitting between us, that continued the rest of the day. 20 minutes or so to devour lunch with the most spectacular views, then time to head back up the hill along the East Coast Track to see more of the island.
The neat thing with this island is there are plenty of areas that are open and you can enjoy the amazing views, then tracks that have been diligently replanted in past years, now providing ample respite from sunrays. It didn't take us very long to reach the lighthouse, even with numerous photo stops along the way. We were greeted by a very nonchalant Takahe enjoying it's afternoon grass. With its mate and semi grown chick close by. I think most of us were transfixed by the Takahe and the sheer 3kg size. They move quite gracefully for such a large bird.
Another loop to achieve more boot time, then down to visitors centre for a break and you guessed it! We took a spell for more bird watching! Really the first time today that we had seen mass numbers of Tuis who were fighting over whose turn it was to use the nectar feeders.
In the background a bird bath, same again, even though the bath was about a metre long, just one bird relishing in flicking water at a time.
Next port of call, heading in the direction of ferry wharf, was the Wattle Track. And with all of the other tracks on this neat island, feathered ones galore! We stopped at a couple of the bird baths and feeders to watch more birds. Through here, large numbers of Bell Birds, Saddlebacks, Stitch birds, plus many more literally invading the feeders and thoroughly enjoying the baths. We were wondering how many birds you can fit into one feeding station!!! My favourites the Bell Birds for their lovely song, and the Stitch birds for their distinctive yellow and white markings, oh and of course the mega Takahe! But how can you have favourites though when they're all so special?!
One more loop as we still had about 35 minutes spare, so up the hill again, and back down the Hobbs Track to wait for the ferry.
Many thanks to Katy for organising and the rest of group for being part of a fantastic day!
It really is sensory overload visiting Tiritiri Matangi, with the constant accompanying array of birdlife and the fantastic views! If you haven't been before, it's most definitely worth the visit!