48 Children, 3 Teachers, 5 Parents, 1 Ranger, 5 Guides, 6 Volunteers, millions of insects and thousands of birds......but no rats, no cats, no stoats or dogs.

Tiritiri Matangi is a bird sanctuary, free of pests so the wildlife can thrive. The island is the result of 25 years of hard work by volunteers. It used to be grass and paddocks during pioneering times but has new bush planted over the island.

We had a wonderful day at Tiritiri Matangi Island starting at 7.00am. The weather was crisp and clear with a smooth ferry ride. We were guided up to the lighthouse along tracks while spotting and counting the birdlife. Some of the birds we saw: hihi, tui, north island robin, kokako, saddleback, fantails, quails, pateke, pukeko, takahe, little blue penguin, kereru and kakariki. We could also see the sky tower and rangitoto.  We learnt lots of information about pest free environments at the visitor's centre. 

In the afternoon we trekked down to Hobbs Beach where we did a shore clean up then it was time to head home.

Thank you to all our parents, Ms Aldworth, Mrs Johnson and Ms Vanderwee. 

We also thank the Tiritiri Matangi Volunteers!