Tiritiri Matangi Island

Just 30 kilometers from central Auckland, you'll find the island of Tiritiri Matangi, as it's known by locals, one of the most successful conservation projects in the country.

As you explore the island, native bellbirds perch and sing just a few meters away. Once thought to be extinct, large flightless takahē hovered around humans. Tiny, happy native stitching blissfully unaware of their dangerously low numbers, dart from branch to branch along the edge of the track. Other rare species include the kōkako, brown teal, and small spotted kiwi.

The romantic 1864 lighthouse and old keeper's house mark the highest point on the island. It is a great place to stop for a snack while you soak up the view. Well-maintained trails pass through wooded areas and along surf cliffs to quiet sheltered beaches. Nesting boxes mark the habitat of little blue penguins that breed atop the beach.

The visitor center on the island only offers tea and coffee, so bring plenty of food. And bring a camera, as you will rarely get close to endangered birds in the wild. Binoculars and good walking shoes are also recommended.

Location: Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand