Kiwi Release On Rotoroa Island

We're releasing the first Coromandel brown kiwi chick of the season and you’re invited!

Rotoroa Island is one of the few predator-free islands in the Hauraki Gulf, which acts as a creche for kiwi. Kiwis left in the wild have about a 5% survival rate, so we're part of the national kiwi recovery programme to help give young kiwi chicks the best chance possible. By releasing kiwi chicks in our safe island environment, the survival rate is brought up to 50-60%.

We hope you can join us for this special experience.

Day Plan
08:45 am - Ferry departs downtown Auckland​
10:00 am - Ferry arrives at Rotoroa Island
Explore Rotoroa Island (if not on Guided Walk)
11:00 am - Guided Nature Walk (Bookings required)
2:30 pm - Short welcome and introduction to kiwi chick (Ladies Bay)
5:15 pm - Ferry departs Rotoroa Island

Getting to Rotoroa Island
Fullers360 ferries depart from downtown Auckland to Rotoroa Island
The trip takes just over an hour, with a stop-off at Waiheke's Orapiu wharf on the way to Rotoroa Island.

You can also get to Rotoroa Island by ferry from Coromandel.
Timetable and fare information: Fullers360 link above

Release event is free, but usual ferry ticket pricing applies. There are limited seats on the ferry, so get in quick!

This kiwi chick is coming from the National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua in partnership with Kiwis for kiwi and Thames Coast Kiwi Care.

Photo credit: Abi Donovan