One of my favourite places to be in New Zealand is Tiritiri Matangi Island ecosanctuary. Years of largely volunteer effort have transformed a once bare, denuded landscape into a forested predator-free paradise teeming with birds and invertebrate life. Rare bird species unknown to many New Zealanders, such as kokako, tieke/saddlebacks, kakariki/parakeets and hihi/stitchbirds can be seen here with little difficulty. The dawn chorus is a melodious cacophony worth staying overnight for. A night walk will pretty much guarantee kiwi sightings. It is heartwarming to see how nature can bounce back when we put in the effort to reverse the damage inflicted on it. Restoration projects popping up all over the country are testament to what can be achieved when people give a little time and support. Enjoy a visit to Tiritiri through my photos, but better still, visit yourself if you can.
