Restoring Rotoroa: A Botanical Look

Interesting in hearing about Rotoroa's restoration programme?
Or wondering how to attract native wildlife to your own backyard?
Join our Ecologist, Jo Ritchie for a fun and informative walk and talk!

Despite extensive modification in the past, Rotoroa Island features a diverse and interesting assortment of indigenous plant species, totalling over 170 species. More than 350,000 native plants have been reintroduced to Rotoroa, using mirror planting from surrounding islands.

Island Ecologist Jo Ritchie will share stories on the island’s restoration - wildlife adapt to plant changes and drawing particular attention to some threatened, unusual and noteworthy species. There will also be discussion on the practical side to a restoration programme “it’s common sense, not rocket science”, says Jo.

The talk will be followed by an informal wander through some of the more accessible, botanically interesting areas of the island.

What's happening:
- 8:45am: Ferry departs downtown Auckland
- 10am: Ferry arrives on Rotoroa Island. Welcome and biosecurity check.
Chance to explore the island's walkways, beaches and wildlife
- 11am: Restoring Rotoroa Talk, followed by walk. (Salisbury Room, Home Bay)
- 12:30pm: Chance for you to explore the island
- 2pm: Altered time for our regular Guided Nature Walk (bookings required for this walk)
- 5:15pm: Ferry departs Rotoroa for Downtown Auckland

Getting Here
360 Discovery ferries depart from downtown Auckland to Rotoroa Island at 8.45am
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 Website (Select 17 March)

What to bring:
- Your own food and plenty of water as there are no shops on the island
- Walking shoes, sunblock and a sun hat

Cancellations
While unlikely to cancel unless terrible weather, here's how you can be sure it's going ahead. Check our Facebook page where we'll post a cancellation notification.

If you are unsure, please call the island's duty phone on the day: 09 283 0849.