The afternoon was spent winding around the tracks on the eastern side of the island and past Fisherman's Bay to the lighthouse. We could see out across the gulf to Mt Moehau on the tip of the Coromandel Peninsula. The watchtower was open and had an interesting display on the history of the lighthouse. Outside one of the resident Takahe was strolling around on the lawn feeding on the grass. Then a quick trip to the southernmost point of the island past the foghorn and fog detection equipment.
At about 2.00pm we arrived at the visitor centre for a cup of tea and to observe tui and bellbirds at the feeding station. Later we followed the wattle track down to the wharf and saw bellbirds taking a bath in the water trough and competing with stitchbirds for sugar water at the feeding station.
The ferry departed at 3.30pm and we all wished we could have stayed for longer. An overnight trip was voted a good idea for next year as this would give us a chance to go kiwi spotting at night and get up to hear the dawn chorus.