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Island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand
Photo: Porphyrio_hochstetteri_-Tiritiri_Matangi_Island-8b.jpg: Ashleigh Thompson derivative work: Snowmanradio (talk), CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Tiritiri Matangi is an island and nature reserve in the Hauraki Gulf near Auckland in New Zealand. It is 30 km NE of Auckland and 4 km from Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
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Built in 1864, it is one of the oldest in New Zealand and the tallest one easily accessible to the public. It is 21 m tall. The xenon gas lamp installed in 1965 was reputed to be the brightest in the Southern Hemisphere. It has been replaced by a quartz iodine light. The lighthouse is now fully automated. Solar power is used. There is a small museum in the watchtower next the lighthouse which is sometimes open depending on volunteer availability.
Overnight accommodation is available in a four room bunkhouse. It is equipped with cooking utensils, fridge, gas stove and BBQ. There is hot water in the showers. Bring your own sleeping bag, pillow case and torch. Bring food for your stay and one day's spare in case of delays.
Get there by Explore ferry, 75 minutes from Auckland or 20 minutes from Gulf Harbour on Whangaparaoa Peninsula. The ferry departs W-F at 9AM from Auckland and 9:50AM from Gulf Harbour Marina.
Read in the guideWalk. The only transport on the island are DoC vehicles. If you are staying at the bunkhouse, your luggage is usually driven to the door by the ranger.
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Auckland · International · AKL
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