Year 12 had a great trip to Tiritiri Matangi..
Year 12 Science and Biology trip to Tiritiri Matangi, 27th August 2008
14 students and three staff from Tamaki College set off from the wharf at Auckland ferry terminal for Tiritiri Matangi, a scientific reserve controlled by the Department of Conservation. The purpose of the visit was to study the impact of humans on an environment.
Tiri was replanted over ten years, and is now a pest-free island where rare native birds are relocated to breed and for protection.
We went on the 360Discovery catamaran via Gulf Harbour, and arrived at Tiri at 10.30 where we were met by the ranger who gave us a talk about the island and its wildlife.
We split into two groups, each with a guide who was provided to tell us all about the island.
We set off along the track to the beach, passing Little Blue Penguin nesting boxes (unoccupied at this time of day). On the beach we saw the first North Island Saddleback (Tieke), a bird with a call like a starter motor! There were also several Tui, whose distinctive calls cry out across the island.
From the beach, we climbed up the Kawerau track, which passes through several Maori midden, where evidence of shells can be seen. The Kowhai were flowering, a month ahead of the mainland, due to the unique micro-climate of Tiri. As a result, the Tui were racing around overhead, and defending their territory vigorously. The track passes huge Pohutukawa which were not yet in bloom, which were clinging precariously to the cliffs. Several Tuatara are homed in this area, however we were not fortunate enough to see them.
The track passes through part of the only original forest on the island, across a boardwalk that took volunteers 4 years to build. There were Stitchbirds (Hihi), Bellbirds (Korimako), Kereru, & Whiteheads throughout the woods, and the occasional Kakariki (Red Crowned Parakeet). Nesting boxes have been provided for the Stitchbirds, and this year there has been the highest level of chicks. The Stitchbird is only found on Little Barrier naturally, so it is a great success for the program. Feeder stations are also set up, specifically for the Stitchbirds and Bellbirds, with sugar solution in special feeders. These are fantastic places to see the birds. There is a pair of Pohutukawa trees within the woods, which are thought to be 1,000 years old (yes, someone did count some rings!), and are huge and gnarly.
We walked across the top of the island via the Ridge Track, which gives a panoramic view of the Hauraki Gulf and the island. Three quarters of Tiri is now re-forested, with more than 270,000 trees having been planted. There are clear areas towards the light house, for the Takahe.
A couple of Kokako were spotted on a small track leading off the main path. These are two of 16 of these birds on Tiri, one of which was identified as being from the Taranaki breeding program. The rare birds are all ring-banded around the leg to help identify them. Their call is beautiful and mournful, and would have once rung out around our forests.
At the visitor centre, there is the lighthouse, as well as a bunk-house for overnight visitors (by pre-arrangement only) and ranger station. The lighthouse was originally made in London and brought over in segments.
Around this area are the Takahe. The global population of these birds is around 250 and they are endangered, and Tiri has several, all of which are involved in the breeding program with Mount Bruce and Te Anau. These birds were actually though extinct until 1948 when a group were found in the Murchison Mountains of the South Island. The Takahe eat the roots of grass and plants, by tearing them out with their stout red beak, holding it in one foot and chewing he roots off the end.
The visitor centre was built from donated money, and stocks a wide range of themed products, including t-shirts, books, posters, toys etc. The staff are all volunteers.
On the return to the ferry, we went down the Wattle Track, named after the Australian natives that are planted throughout the area. These trees were kept as it was decided they were a good food source for the nectar feeders. There are further feeding and bathing stations along the way, and we were treated to a pair of Tui having a bath. This track also passes a dam, where there are supposed to be Brown Teal (Pateke) although they were not making themselves apparent!
The track led us back to the jetty, and the sight of a wind-driven swell which promised a bumpier ride back to Auckland. The first indication of the fun to be had was as we were boarding the ferry, with the gang plank moving quite severely and the crew warning us to step straight onto it so our feet did not get crushed. The captain reversed the boat, then turned into the swell, then as he opened up the throttle, we hit several large waves soaking the students hanging onto the front railing in the process! On the trip back to Gulf Harbour we hit a huge wave, which actually sprayed over the top of the second deck of the ferry, again soaking our students and flooding the decks. The students mostly stayed out on the front for the entire return journey, getting whipped by wind and spray the whole time, and I cannot be sure whether they enjoyed the ferry more than seeing the endangered birds…
As a footnote, Tiri is a precious jewel in Auckland, the only place where some of these species can be seen easily, and it relies on donations and visitors to survive. The ferry is accessible from Auckland and Gulf Harbour from Wednesday to Sunday, and should be something everyone should get to have a look at. I would like to thank the volunteers who make the whole thing possible for sharing their incredible knowledge with the visitors, and especially for sharing with us.
For more information on Tiri and the flora and fauna, please go to http://www.tiritirimatangi.org.nz/.
Words Nick Major, Photos, Nick and Rachel Major.
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