In addition to getting ready to head back to the States, we’ve been squeezing-in a couple last trips – the caving trip Sarah and I did, and a family trip to Tiritiri Matangi.
The past couple weekends were our last chances for a family excursions before heading back to the States. We had been wanting to visit a couple of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf – Waiheke, which sounds a lot like Bainbridge Island, Rangitoto, a recent volcanic addition to the Gulf (only 600 years ago), and Tiritiri Matangi, a nature preserve. One weekend Cindy had her last miniature group meeting, so Sarah and Max and I were going to go to Rangitoto and hike to the top. It turned out to be quite rainy, so we went to a movie instead. But then the weather looked good this past weekend, so we all headed to Gulf Harbour to catch the morning Kawau Cat ferry over to Tiritiri.
Tiritiri used to be farmed, but since the 1970’s has been a nature preserve. A huge effort by volunteers and the Department of Conservation have eradicated invasive species that have devastated the native bird populations (rats, stoats, possums), and re-planted native trees over most of the island. The volunteer group, the Supporters of Tiritiri, maintain a great website with information on all the native birds and trees restored to the island. They also conduct tours on the island, so we went along with Vic and Des, who told us so much about the plants and birds over the next couple hours – fantastic! With their sharp eyes, we spotted many species during our walk around the island.
After warming up over lunch and hot tea in their visitors center, we had a delightful wander along paths back to the afternoon ferry and the trip home.
Photos are here.