Kiwi Release On Rotoroa Island

We're releasing a Coromandel brown kiwi chick on the island 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%. This kiwi was lifted as an egg in the Hauraki – Coromandel region from the area cared for by the Kapowai Kiwi Group.

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
11:00 am- Short welcome and introduction to kiwi chick (Home Bay)
11:30am - Guided Nature Walk (Bookings required)
- Explore Rotoroa Island's walking tracks and small museum (if not on Guided Walk)
3:45pm - Ferry departs Rotoroa Island
5pm - Ferry Arrives at Downtown Auckland

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.

Timetable and fare information: Fullers360 link above (Select 2 October 2022)
Release event is free, but usual ferry ticket pricing applies. There are limited seats on the ferry, so get in quick!

Rotoroa's kiwi programme is in partnership with Save the Kiwi and Thames Coast Kiwi Care.

Photo credit: Abi Donovan