Family Day

Calling all junior scientists! We’re doing a one-day survey to identify the flora and fauna that live on Rotoroa Island. And we need your help!

This is the perfect chance to bring your family to an island paradise and contribute to NZ Bird Altas 5-year mapping project.

Grab an ecosystem fan deck and an observation map and make special note of the wildlife and plants you see around the island. We’ll collate all the info from your junior scientists and load these on NZ Bird Atlas. Keen birders who want to submit directly, download the free Bird Atlas (ebird) app.

Rangers will also be onhand to share the tools used on island to protect our wildlife and keep Rotoroa Island predator free.

The island has four fabulous swimming beaches - Men’s Bay, Ladies’ Bay, Mai Mai Bay and Cable Bay. They are great for picnics too!
This event is free; usual ferry pricing applies.

Day Plan
8:45am ​Fullers360 Ferry departs Downtown Auckland
9:30am Ferry departs Orapiu (eastern end of Waiheke Island)
10am Arrive on Rotoroa Island.

Welcome and collect your observation map, along with an ecosystem fan deck (free to borrow) - Complete your survery in your own time (each survey takes between 5 min - 1 hour). Free to explore the island! Colouring activities all day in the Salisbury room.

11am - Guided Nature Walk (bookings required)
5:15pm - Ferry departs Rotoroa Island

What to bring:
- Your own food and drink bottle as there are no shops on the island other than our kiosk (open late afternoon) which sells Dr Feel Good Ice Blocks, Crafty Weka muesli bars, a selection of books and Rotoroa Island Tshirts.
- 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 on the morning, please call the island's duty phone 09 283 0849.