Celebrating 75 Years of Takahē Recovery

Did you know that takahē were thought to be extinct? They were rediscovered in 1948 and in the last 75 years there has been extraordinary efforts by DoC’s Takahē Recovery Programme to ensure the takahē is never again threatened with extinction.

Join us for a fun afternoon and a special talk to celebrate this huge milestone. Be welcomed by Milly Lucas for an introduction and discussion into one of our most unique and endangered endemic species, this talk and short walk will encompass the rediscovery of takahē through to present day population numbers. We’ll share insights into amazing efforts by the Takahē Recovery Group that has aided the spread of the population throughout the country.

Special mention will be given to the 9 resident takahē on Rotoroa island. The latter part of this talk will involve tracking some individuals using telemetry in order for visitors to get a rare opportunity to view these birds ‘up close and personal’. If you are lucky you may spot the newest and cutest member of our resident family feeding with the adults.

Milly is an island ranger and leads our takahē work on Rotoroa and has plenty of great stories of their antics!
Suitable for all ages, this talk and walk has a maximum of 25 people.

If this is your first visit to Rotoroa Island, we encourage you to join a guided nature walk afterwards. The guided walk costs of $22 per adult and can be added to your ferry booking).

Spend the remainder of your day exploring our island sanctuary - take a walk on one of the many tracks, swim at stunning beaches, or discover Rotoroa's fascinating history in the award winning museum.

What to expect

11:30am: Ferry departs downtown Auckland
12:45pm: Ferry arrives on Rotoroa Island. Welcome and biosecurity check.
1:15pm: Takahē Recovery Talk (Meet at Exhibition Centre, Home Bay)
2:30pm: Adjusted start for our regular Guided Nature Walk (bookings essential)
Chance to explore the island's walkways, beaches and wildlife
5:40pm: Ferry departs Rotoroa for Downtown Auckland

The Takahē Walk and Talk is free, usual ferry charges apply.