) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
Upload images
Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif
Max file size is 20MB
Description
Leaving from Sandspit, this pelagic offers a chance to explore the central part of the Hauraki Gulf, passing between the Tawharanui Peninsula (on which Tawharanui Regional Park sits) and Kawau Island, generally aiming for areas to the north-west of Little Barrier Is (Hauturu). Most of the Northern breeding New Zealand seabirds can be found here, and with a beautiful coastline, the backdrop of Little Barrier Is (Hauturu), and a chance of marine mammals, this location is well worth visiting during Spring, Summer, and Autumn. The location can produce big numbers of some of the common tubenosed species with 100s + of some species.
Regular species seen between late October and March are Cook's Petrel, Fairy Prion, Parkinson's Petrel, Buller's Shearwater, Flesh-footed Shearwater, Fluttering Shearwater, White-faced Storm Petrel, and very good chances of the rediscovered New Zealand Storm-Petrel.
Details
Access
Sandspit is located just over 5 km from Warkworth, itself 60 km from downtown Auckland. Sandspit has a Camp Ground, but for most people Warkworth offers better accommodation and dining options. There is a free car park situated just a few 100m from the wharf where the boat leaves from. Press P on the map for directions. There is no public transport to this site. Most Pelagics run from 8am through to around 4pm, organised and run by Wrybill Birding Tours, NZ and further information can be found on their website, link below.