An article written by Marie Brown (president) for the Tiritiri Matangi newsletter.
In early 2011, a group of University of Waikato students started the Waikato Natural History Society. Highlight of our first year was that a group of 15 of us stayed on the island of Tiritiri Matangi on the 8th and 9th of October. This was the third trip in the inaugural year and the first overnighter. As a former Auckland resident and island guide I was eager to show Hamiltonians the wonder that is Tiri. I promised an amazing two days and the island did not disappoint; in fact, it over-delivered as always!
An early drive from Hamilton and an easy trip to the island started the journey, continuing with a showery trip through Wattle Valley to the lighthouse. I have often seen kokako at the top end of Wattle Track just past the big rocks and sure enough the group were treated to a great sighting of a pair. Few in the group had ever seen a kokako before, much less heard it's haunting call; so that made for a great start!
We settled into the bunkhouse and set about exploring the island for the afternoon. I visited the shop and noted that every time I come to the island, the visitor's centre is ever more wonderful. The team were also impressed by it, and did their bit to contribute to the bottom line with purchases! After the traditional BBQ dinner, we "cellophaned up" and headed out into the night. Shortly down Wattle Track we were treated to a sighting of a somewhat obscured kiwi, which was amazing. Most had never seen one in the wild. But little could have prepared me for the sighting that was to come! A little further along from the first kiwi I heard a distinctive rustling in the undergrowth and motioned for the group to stop. A bold little kiwi then appeared in the middle of the track and came around the corner TOWARD us. The entire group got a full view of it as it stood stock-still for about twenty seconds. Just unbelievable!
After we stopped being paralysed with glee, we continued down the path to the wharf, marvelling at the clear and warm moonlit night! A little way along the track to Hobbs Beach we spied a few little blues trudging up the shore after a long day in the sea. We made our way up Kawerau Track and along the road toward the lighthouse. Shortly before the Graham/Wharf intersection we were delighted to see two ruru engaged in a conversation. One was not visible, but the other was nestled in the crook of a cabbage tree right next to the path!
The next morning started with many of the group's first experience of the dawn chorus - how New Zealand forest is meant to sound. For a lucky few in the group, this included another sighting of kokako nearer to the bunkhouse. We gobbled breakfast, did the cleaning and stacked our gear, before dashing to the implement shed to pick up our tools. We'd asked the ranger if there were any jobs we could do, so we busied ourselves for an hour or two collecting leaves for the compost, slashing flax and digging drains. After that we were free to wander and some of us checked out the coastline beyond Hobbs Beach, including the penguins snuggled in the caves while others wandered, botanised or relaxed on the beach! We boarded the ferry and drove home having had a stunning weekend. Showing our precious island to the members of the Society made me very proud to be a Supporter, and we thank all of those that work for, guide on and visit the island for their efforts to protect a a national treasure.
WNHS Tiri trip, 8-9 October. L-R (Back) Kristi, Kara, Daniel, Deniz (Treasurer), Britta, Missy, Rebecca and Jackson (Front) Sarah, Andy, Bella and Marie (President).
The Beach (Photo: Marie Brown)
Brown Teal, or Pateke (Photo: Marie Brown)
Stitchbird, or Hihi (Photo: Marie Brown)
