Overview
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a cruise through Tikapa Moana - the Hauraki Gulf on our premium cruise fleet as we make our way to island sanctuary Tiritiri Matangi.
This pest-free island provides a safe haven for a wide range of native species including kōkako, takahē, tīeke and tuatara, that can’t easily be seen anywhere else around the Auckland region, so glimpsing these rare animals is a highlight for many visitors.
Enjoy the time to explore the island's other established walking tracks with dramatic cliff tops, native bush and New Zealand's oldest working lighthouse! For a relaxing afternoon, opt for an easy 10-minute walk from Tiritiri wharf along the coastline to Hobbs Beach, which is the perfect spot for a picnic or a swim.
This island feels like another world all easily accessed from central Auckland or Gulf Harbour.
Departing from Auckland Viaduct: Wed-Fri departs 9:00am | Sat/Sun departs 8:30am
Departing from Gulf Harbour (Whangaparaoa): Wed-Fri departs 9:55am | Sat/Sun departs 9:25am
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
80-minute journey from Auckland Viaduct or 20-minute journey from Gulf Harbour
No food or drinks available on island - can be purchased on board ferry if required.
Food brought onto island must be in a sealed container or bag to keep the island pest-free.
Departs Tiritiri Matangi 2:40pm on Weekdays or 4:00pm on Weekends
15 minutes prior to departure
What To Expect
Tiritiri Matangi Island
This pest-free island provides a safe haven for a wide range of native species including kōkako, takahē, tīeke and more to flourish. Enjoy the time to explore the island's other established walking tracks with dramatic cliff tops, native bush and quiet beaches. This island feels like another world all easily accessed from central Auckland or Gulf Harbour.
Hauraki Gulf
Enjoy an 80-minute cruise each way through the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland Viaduct or 20-minute express cruise from Gulf Harbour on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
Options
9:00am from Auckland Viaduct
Depart Tiritiri Matangi 2:40pm
9:25am from Gulf Harbour
Departs Tiritiri Matangi 4pm
8:30am from Auckland Viaduct
Departs Tiritiri Matangi 4pm
9:55am from Gulf Harbour
Depart Tiritiri Matangi 2:40pm
What‘s Included
Return Ferry from Auckland Viaduct or Gulf Harbour
Multiple hours to explore Tiritiri Matangi Island's walking tracks and beaches.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Restroom on board
Food and drinks not available on Island - please bring a packed lunch.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It's worth the price. Amazing experience.
sanjeetc2026,May 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was fantastic experience of Tiritiri Matangi Island. Traveling to Island and return was really nice. Lot's of Birds feeding stations at Island to watch beautiful Birds species and their natural sound. Its worth the money.
Slow walk the trails so...
Kevin S,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Slow walk the trails so you can see as many different birds as possible. Our family really enjoyed it.
Great excursion
Andybrenda,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The island is beautiful with great hiking paths and plentiful birds. Our whole group enjoyed the experience. Highly recommend!
It's been a very productive campaign.
TOMOHIRO F,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I was able to join a good tour that was very interesting for me. The weather was very concerning, but it was comforting to see so many birds from Santorum. You will meet many endemic species of New Zealand. You can enjoy the relaxing nature. I highly recommend everyone to join us on 45.
A great day trip- wish I had been there longer
Wendy M,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00From the lovely staff to the super clean boat, to the helpful friendly guides, a really good day out. The island is absolutely beautiful and the wildlife abundant. Neil, our guide was informative and friendly. My only suggestion would be to stay overnight if you can, because one day trip just isn’t long enough to see everything. A cracking spot and pretty good value for money. Oh and don’t forget your packed lunch :)
Never got to go
Mickie W,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00I arrived at the ticket counter to Find out that Viator had not turned in my name to the tour and it was full. I had to go find another tour to take and I did not use Viator. Very disappointed.
Beautiful Island
hbuzinski,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful, quiet, tranquil Island! Lots of nice paths with beautiful views! Birds are all over. The beach is pretty. The boat ride is nice as well.
A great experience on...
Jonah E,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A great experience on Tiritiri Matanga! I got a tour with Toni, and she was very informative about the island, its history, and all of the birds and critters. And there was plenty of time to walk around and explore after. The ferry was easy, and there were some snacks and drinks available for purchase for anyone who needed something.
Do it! It is worth it!!!!
Alison O,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Oh 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!
Great Experience
Julia S,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It 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!
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Operated by Explore Group Limited