The last time I was on Tiritiri Matangi, the bird sanctuary in the Hauraki Gulf off Auckland, I noticed a bunk house. This facility is run by the DOC (Department of Conservation), so you can stay on the island. Staying in the bunkhouse is in high demand as it is popular among volunteers staying on the island, but it is also for bird-watchers as nocturnal birds cannot be seen during a day trip.
Aotearoa New Zealand – that’s unique bird life and a very fragile flora and fauna. Living in Auckland also means being only a ferry ride away from a few islands in the Hauraki Gulf. Motutapu is my favorite; I have been there plenty of times. But there’s one island I have yet to go to: Tiritiri Matangi.

