Tiritiri Matangi Cruise: Wildlife Sanctuary Escape

Explore Tiritiri Matangi Island’s rare wildlife and scenic trails. Cruise from Auckland for a unique adventure with native species and stunning landscapes.

Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Tiritiri Matangi Island - This predator-free island offers a sanctuary for a diverse array of native species such as kōkako, takahē, tīeke, and more to thrive. Take the opportunity to explore the island’s well-established walking trails featuring stunning cliff tops, native forests, and serene beaches. This island feels like a different world, yet…
What's Included
  • Return Ferry from Auckland Viaduct or Gulf Harbour
  • Multiple hours to explore Tiritiri Matangi Island’s walking tracks and beaches.
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • On-board restrooms
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Additional Information

Embark on a delightful cruise across Tikapa Moana - the Hauraki Gulf with our top-tier cruise fleet as we journey to the island sanctuary of Tiritiri Matangi.
This pest-free island offers a refuge for a diverse array of native species such as kōkako, takahē, tīeke, and tuatara, which are rarely seen elsewhere in the Auckland area, making the sighting of…

Location
Explore Group - Auckland
Quay Street
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(25 Ratings)
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1 star
Alison_o
Feb 1, 2026
Do it! It is worth it!!!! - Oh my goodness TAKE THE TRIP!!!!! so so so glad we went it was incredible! DEFINITELY book the guided tour! We were lucky enough to be paired with Malcolm and it was incredible. I'm so thankful to the ppl who reviewed and recommended the guided tour. We definitely wouldn't have learned as much exploring on our own. We saw so many incredible birds, insects, trees and plants. Tiri Matangi is a magical place!
Review provided by Viator
Julia_s
Jan 19, 2026
Great Experience - It was an amazing experience. If it’s rainy the grounds are muddy. Come prepared. It could be cold but up at the gift shop they have second hand clothes that are clean and are free to wear to keep you warm. The ride over was in rough water but never did we feel unsafe. All the volunteer's help with suggestions on direction and the different hikes you can take! Seeing the birds was awesome!
Review provided by Viator
Sue_k
Jan 12, 2026
Great day out - It's a fantastic day out in nature. Everything is so easy, from the boat boarding to arrival at TiriTiri and then departing. The island is wonderful - so much wildlife - birds I have never seen before and even a family of Takahe! Beautiful scenery. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
461maisie
Jan 7, 2026
Jewel of the Gulf - A fabulous day trip. Comfortable boat and attentive staff. The island is absolutely the jewel of the Hauraki Gulf. I remember when is was a paddock covered in grazing sheep. The transformation is a credit to all involved. Well organized guided tour (Friends of Tiritiri Matangi) and wonderful guide (Jean). Facts both interesting and amusing delivered in a very easily understood manner. Jean is a natural storyteller and made the journey well worth it. Thankyou.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Seaside48297117941
Jan 6, 2026
Loved this island! - Beautiful, peaceful island! Plus a very nice ferry trip in both directions. We enjoyed a guided hike with great information. Loved it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
626rw
Jan 1, 2026
Great to see the native species of birds and flora. - Although it poured with rain for most of the day this was an enjoyable trip and we got to see many native birds and plants. Our guide, Vic, was superb, so knowledgeable about the island and the various species.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steve0206
Dec 25, 2025
Ecosystem Immersion in Gorgeous Conservation Site - Lovely day trip from Central Auckland quay started with boat ride through scenic Harauki Gulf and arrival at Tiritiri Matangi island bird sanctuary and conservation research site. Definitely sign on for a guided walk with a volunteer Conservation Guide to get the most out of your visit - our guide was extremely knowledgeable and led us from the beach through the Kawerau walking track up to the lighthouse and visitor center at the summit (not strenuous) for spectacular views and a leisurely lunch (visitors must bring their own), all the while pointing out native birds (by sight and sound) and plant species and explaining the ecology and history of this conservation site. Questions were welcome at any time. Lunch was followed by a further short walk (mostly downhill) back to the dock and the relaxing return trip to Auckland City. All in all this excursion was a highly satisfying way to enjoy nature and experience first-hand about an ongoing successful conservation research effort.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cleveille
Oct 1, 2025
Day on Tiritiri Matangi Island - I had an unforgettable adventure on Tiritiri Matangi Island! The hike around the island was fantastic! peaceful surrounding, and stunning views. The seashel beach was abeautiful surprise, perfect to take some great photos. The thousand birds and birdsong everywhere was amazing. The cruise to the island was smooth and relaxing, with a clean and comfortable boat. I recommend this trip to anyone that love nature, hicking and birdwatching.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barbarella_sailing
Dec 19, 2025
Lack of basic hospitality - On a Explore Group Ferry to Tiritiri Matangi right now. Unfortunately, I suddenly developed a terrible headache. Asked the crew if they would happen to have an aspirin or something similar. The answer was: "Yes we have, but only for the crew". Is this the great Kiwi hospitality?
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Explore10104281023
Nov 28, 2025
The company needs a loud speaker to announce boarding - We missed the boat because of the big crowd and there was no loudspeaker announcement that we could hear so it was unfortunate that the company was very nice but we had to pay a second time to go to a different island
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $65
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).