Three Nights in a Wildlife Sanctuary: A Photographic Journey to Tiritiri Matangi Island
Few places in New Zealand offer wildlife photographers the opportunity to immerse themselves so completely in native biodiversity as Tiritiri Matangi Island. Situated in the Hauraki Gulf, this internationally recognised conservation success story has transformed from farmland into one of the country's most important wildlife sanctuaries. In the coming months, I will be spending three nights on the island, seeking to photograph some of New Zealand's most elusive and colourful endemic bird species.
Unlike a typical day visit, an extended stay offers the rare privilege of experiencing the island during its most magical hours. Dawn and dusk are when the sanctuary truly comes alive. As the first light filters through regenerating forest and the final glow of sunset fades across the gulf, opportunities emerge to capture behaviour and natural light that most visitors never witness.
At the top of my wish list is the magnificent North Island kōkako. Revered for its haunting, organ-like song and striking blue wattles, the kōkako is one of New Zealand's conservation success stories. Photographing these birds in the soft morning light, as they move silently through the forest canopy, would be a true highlight of the trip.
Equally exciting is the prospect of encountering the vibrant Red-crowned Kākāriki. Once widespread throughout New Zealand, these energetic native parakeets now flourish within the predator-free sanctuary. Their brilliant green plumage and scarlet crown provide striking photographic subjects, particularly when framed against the island's native flora.
The island is also visited by the migratory Shining Cuckoo. Arriving from the Pacific each spring, these diminutive birds bring with them one of the most recognisable calls in New Zealand forests. Their elusive nature makes them a challenging species to photograph, but the possibility of capturing an image of this seasonal traveller adds another layer of excitement to the expedition.
Perhaps the most anticipated encounter of all will take place after dark. Tiritiri Matangi is one of the few locations where visitors have a realistic chance of observing the Little Spotted Kiwi, New Zealand's smallest kiwi species. Under the cover of darkness, these nocturnal birds emerge to forage along forest tracks and clearings. Photographing them requires patience, careful fieldcraft, and respect for the welfare of the birds, but even a brief sighting would be an unforgettable experience.
Over three nights, the combination of early mornings, golden evenings, and nocturnal exploration will provide a unique opportunity to document the remarkable wildlife that calls Tiritiri Matangi home. Whether successful in capturing every target species or not, the experience promises to be a celebration of New Zealand conservation and the extraordinary biodiversity that thrives when nature is given the opportunity to recover.
Follow along on Scotcher in the Wild as I share photographs, field notes, and stories from this upcoming adventure into one of New Zealand's most inspiring wildlife sanctuaries. Every image will tell part of the story of an island that has become a beacon of hope for native wildlife and a paradise for nature photographers.
