Blog 15. Gulf Harbour and Tiritiri Matangi Island. 36.37.28S 174.47.45E

Alcedo
David Batten
Mon 15 May 2017 18:05
It is some time since we left Alcedo in New Zealand, so this is the first
of two catch up blogs just to complete our North Island activities.
In the event, our trip from Whangapara back to Gulf Harbour was a pretty
civilised beat, with some engine assist when speeds dropped below 4 knots as we
wanted to be in Gulf Harbour in good time to prepare for another visit to
Tiritiri M in the morning. The marina staff were friendly and helpful as
usual and allocated us the same berth as before, it almost felt like a
homecoming!
Tiritiri the following day surpassed all expectations, with just a little
drizzle to start with and then a bright, sunny day, with all the best in bird
watching. We had other bonuses such as seeing rays from the dock, kiwi tracks
and feeding holes in the beach, our first and only sighting of the Kokako, as
well as hearing its haunting song and finally and totally unexpectedly, a great
view of a Morepork. We returned to Gulf Harbour after a very happy
day.
![]() Doing our own thing on Tiritiri ......
![]() .....which meant great views of Bell Birds......
![]() .....a family of Takahe....there are only 300 in the world so this chick is
very important!
![]() .....a Morepork but the beautiful Kokako sadly defeated the camera.
Friday 24 April and a sad goodbye to Jane, who had an very early flight to
Australia to catch on Saturday. Back to a crew of 2 and preparations for
our sail back to Whangarei via Kawau
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