A memorable day for international students on Tiritiri Matangi Island

From rare wildlife encounters to a breathtaking dolphin display, every moment offered something special. With clear skies and sunshine, the group experienced the very best of New Zealand’s natural beauty.

The day began early, with students departing Macleans College at 7am to catch the ferry from downtown Auckland. Their destination, Tiritiri Matangi Island, is a renowned wildlife sanctuary, located in the Hauraki Gulf. The island is known for its flourishing native bird population and is also home to tuatara, geckos and wētāpunga.

Upon arrival, the group was greeted by a knowledgeable guide who shared insights into the island’s ecology and conservation efforts. Students were captivated by the variety of birdlife and were thrilled to spot a tuatara resting in its burrow - a rare and exciting sight.

Lunch was enjoyed beneath the island’s iconic lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in New Zealand. The setting, combined with fine weather and scenic views, made for a relaxing and picturesque break.

The return ferry trip brought a surprise highlight: the appearance of a large pod of bottlenose dolphins. Students watched in awe as the dolphins swam alongside the ferry, ending the day on a magical note.