Currently a wildlife sanctuary, Tiritiri Matangi Island, located about 18 miles north of Auckland, was brought back from the brink after more than 100 years of farming. Locally known as Tiri, volunteers worked with the Department of Conservation to eradicate all introduced pests from the island. Between 1984 and 1994, thousands of volunteers — many of them school children — arrived to plant around 300,000 native trees. Over the years, 11 species of threatened native birds have been released onto this restored island.

Visitors can now explore the island and see native species, including the native bellbird (korimako) once thought to be extinct, and the large, flightless takahe, that seemingly has no fear of humans. Other native species include the diminutive stitchbird, the kokako, the brown teal and the little spotted kiwi.

The cruise company 360 Discovery provides ferry service from downtown Auckland via Gulf Harbour, at the end of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. Gulf Harbour is about one hour’s drive north of Auckland. Overnight accommodation is available on Tiritiri Matangi in a bunkhouse that includes four bunk rooms, though people need to bring their own sleeping bags.