Rotoroa Island Takahe Release and Coastal Planting: CANCELLED

Join us in celebrating Conservation Week by welcoming our new resident takahe pair on Rotoroa Island.

- Experience the release of a breeding pair of takahē on predator free Rotoroa Island, a rare opportunity to view these birds ‘up close and personal’.
- Plant a native seedling.
- Explore our island sanctuary’s bush walks, endangered wildlife and small museum sharing Rotoroa’s fascinating history.

Thought to be extinct, takahē were rediscovered in 1948. In the last 72 years there has been extraordinary efforts by the Takahē Recovery Programme, managed by the Department of Conservation (DoC) with the aim of protecting and promoting population growth for this endangered species of large, flightless bird. Rotoroa Island is a part of this highly successful programme and as a predator-free environment, Rotoroa is an ideal and proven “creche” for takahē chicks.

The current takahē population has surpassed 400 birds; this will be a special chance to witness conservation in action.

There is no cost to attend the release, but usual ferry ticket pricing applies.

We hope you can join us for this special occasion.

Getting to Rotoroa Island:
- Fullers360 Cruises is running a special ferry, departing from downtown Auckland to Rotoroa Island at 9am.
- The trip takes just over an hour, with a stop-off at Waiheke's Orapiu wharf on the way to Rotoroa Island.
- Timetable and fare information, click the Fullers360 link above.

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 website or Facebook page where we'll post a cancellation notification.

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

Biosecurity Information
Rotoroa Island is predator-free. Before you visit please:
- Check your bags thoroughly for rodents, insects (especially ants) and other pests prior to boarding the ferry.
- All bags must be sealed - plastic bags, open-top bags, and supermarket bags are easy for pests to access so please leave these at home.
- Carry food in sealed, rodent-proof plastic containers and take your rubbish home.
- Check your footwear is clean and that there is no soil or seeds in laces or treads.
- Leave your bicycle at home and if you're bringing a buggy, make sure your tyre treads aren't packed with dirt or insects.
- Leave your dog onboard your vessel if visiting by boat as no dogs or domestic animals are permitted as they may endanger the island's wildlife, particularly shorebirds.

This event is part of Conservation Week 2020 and made possible thanks to the support of Fullers360 and the Takahe Recovery Programme.

(Note the photos are from previous takahē releases - Photo credits: Striped Trees Productions and James Gow Photography)