Tiritiri Matangi - Student Accounts
Below are student accounts of the 2 trips to Tiritiri Matangi in April.
The Trip To Tiri Tiri Matangi (Wednesday 29 April Rm 21)
A world of nature that’s full of bird calls, light breezes and rustling trees, Tiritiri Matangi is a scientific reserve and an island for birds to live peacefully and happily. Tiritiri Matangi contains many bird species which include common, endemic and endangered birds.
Our favourite parts were when we saw the stitchbirds and the saddleback birds drinking sugary water provided by the Chelsea Sugar factory, and when we saw some Kakariki parrots flying and singing at us. Some interesting moments were when the animals and birds won’t be too scared of us because there were mostly never any predators and pests. The funniest part was when we saw the birds fighting over the sugar water and a really cute moment was when we saw a family of Takahes and there was a baby Takahe walking right up to us. A part we really enjoyed was when we had afternoon activities that included detecting footprints of animals, using binoculars to sightsee, and visiting the Gift Shop. Something we learned was that some of the plants at Tiritiri Matangi had medicinal properties. Overall we loved the whole trip and its beautiful habitat.
Tiritiri Matangi is a precious taonga, and a beautiful place to learn and explore the wonders of nature!
By Zeyna and Cecilia
Room 21
The Trip To Tiri Tiri Matangi (Wednesday 29 April Rm 22)
This week, Year 6 was lucky enough to head to Tiritiri Matangi (meaning ‘’Tossed by the wind’’) which is an island in the Hauraki Golf. When we got to the ferry terminal, we had an 80 minute ferry journey ahead of us and we used that time to have morning tea, talk to friends and watch the ocean. We were greeted by volunteer tour guides with a welcoming smile when we arrived at the island. After the Rangers' brilliant speech, we headed up to start our walk in small groups. On the walk we were lucky enough to see and hear a variety of birds such as Saddlebacks, Brown Teal ducks, Stitchbirds, Wood pigeons, Bellbirds, Whiteheads, Kokako, Piwakawaka, Black robin and Takahe. We also saw endemic and native trees. At the end of the walk we had our lunch near the Lighthouse. Next we had three different educational activities in slightly different groups. We hiked back to the wharf and sang a traditional Maori song, Tutira Mai. We hopped on the ferry, then the bus and arrived back at school where our parents stood waiting for us. Thank you to all of the parents who accompanied us for the day. Tiritiri Matangi is a wonderful destination to visit.
Frankie Sturge and Charlie Beaumont
The Trip To Tiri Tiri Matangi (Thursday 30 April Rm 23)
When we got to the ferry we found our seats and sat down. Not long after we could go outside to the deck and have fun! Then when we thought we were nearly there the guy on the speaker said “Tiri Tiri Matangi is 20 minutes away”. “YEEEEAAAAHHH” shouted everyone.
Once we arrived at the island, everyone walked along the wharf and found our guides. Our guides took us on an amazing walk through the bush up to the lighthouse. On the way we spotted lots of cool birds like kokako, whitehead, and bellbirds. We were even lucky enough to see two Wetapunga (Giant Weta).
At the lighthouse we checked the tracking devices for pests and learned about rat traps. We also checked out the gift shop. After trying out the binoculars we walked down the road back to the ferry, which was waiting for us at the wharf.
-Abby Sanders and Zac Edenborough
