What our visitors say


Here are some comments from visitors about our guided trips to Mana Island:

“The island is a real credit to the staff and volunteers. It was a pleasure visiting and seeing the fantastic changes that have happened in the 30 years since I last visited. Congratulations.” – Richard (February 2021)

“We absolutely loved it. Have been telling so many people it’s a must see.” – Matt (February 2021)

“We had a fantastic trip to Mana Island today – great group of people, super guides who shared their knowledge of the island, bird life and projects. It was worth waiting for and we are sure to book again. Thank you.” – Marilyn and group (March 2020)

“We thoroughly enjoyed  our day and also thank Dave and Claudia for their guided tour.  Claudia was really brilliant in finding geckos for our grandchildren to see. The trip was especially special for our son who was born during the time we lived and worked there. Barry and I were both amazed by the amount of growth round the houses and wetlands since we had last visited 20 years ago.  The amount of plantings also were a major achievement. Thank you again for your good work.” Pam & Barry (March 2020)

“Good weather, nice company and seeing a McGregors skink plus the white-faced storm petrels was a great treat.” – Gerry (March 2020)

“We all enjoyed our trip very much. We are now Friends of Mana Island.  It was well worth doing the very informative guided talk rather than just walking along on our own.” – Melody (June 2019)

“Our thanks to Philippa and Dick for a great day out at Mana Island today. We really enjoyed it and were pleased to have the opportunity to see the petrels being fed.” – Anita and James  (February 2019)

“Just wanted to say we had a fab day on the Island yesterday – we thoroughly loved it. Thanks to the volunteers for making it the place it is. We have decided to take out membership to contribute to the ongoing funding.” – Caroline (February 2019)

“A quick note to thank you and the team for a most interesting and informative day at your place. We were amazed to be able to see the feeding of the chicks and how caring and informative Laurie and Claudia were of the members of the Club. We wish you and the members of FOMI every good wish in your current and future programmes and we are very grateful to visit and see what you are doing on Mana.” – Levin Combined Probus Club (February 2019) 

“Thank you to your team for the wonderful trip to Mana Island.  My parents and I had a fantastic time. What a treat to visit Mana Island after all these years seeing it from the mainland.  And what a treat to see Wellington/Porirua from such a different perspective. What amazing work you guys do looking after the island, and allowing us to come and visit.” – Anna (January 2019)
 

“Brilliant trip, much more to see than I expected. Will come back and perhaps walk on my own next time after this comprehensive introduction. Thank you for a great day out!” – Sigrid (March 2018)

“The background  information and  advice about what to bring was superb and we all commented on how well organised the whole trip was. We took our grandkids and we  had a fantastic time. A very memorable trip for us all.” – Gordon (March 2018)

“Great day trip, excellent friendly knowledgeable guides. Fascinating place to visit. Fantastic work by the volunteers, wonderful to see all the planting work done. Such a transformation thank you.” Visitor with Austrian Builders trip (March 2018) 

“Had an awesome day, such a great place for a day trip! Fantastic work being carried out by the volunteers.” – Janice (February 2018) 

“Wonderful trip – well done”; “Great to see takahe, two families”; “Fabuloso”; “Will come again”; “Excellent day” – Several visitors (January 2018) 

“Just wanted to thank FOMI for a wonderful day trip to Mana on Sunday. Great hosts and a most informative day. It is great to be overlooking the island each day and now to have so much more knowledge of what is there. You have a fan and advocate!” – Peter (June 2017)
 
“What a wonderful day out on Sunday 23 April you made available for all of us on a perfect autumn day. Many thanks for the great opportunity to visit an island that one of our home stay students helped plant in 1997. We enjoyed the unique island environment in our locale.” – Helen (April 2017)

 

“I had an awesome day at Mana Island yesterday.The weather was brilliant and Brian and Philippa were fountains of knowledge. I strongly recommend a visit.” – Liz (March 2017)

 

“It was a perfect day which we thoroughly enjoyed. Our guide was marvellous. Chris, the new DOC ranger could not conceal his joy in having the best job in the world” – Peter (March 2017)

 

“Thanks for a wonderful visit to Mana Island today. Friends of Mana Island are doing a great job. If I wasn’t already involved at Zealandia I would be tempted to become a volunteer with you.” – Kathryn (March 2017)

 

“What a superb day we had on Mana Island! It was especially interesting for me as my family were part of a tree-planting party in the early days in 1986 and this was my first return visit! I couldn’t believe the changes that have taken place since then and the whole island green with bush and vegetation! We saw birds everywhere – kakariki, bellbirds, tui, fan tails … And even two gannets near the concrete ones! I was really impressed by all the work that has been done over the years to turn the island into the amazing nature reserve it is now. 

 

Our guides Jan and Julie looked after us well and were able to answer all our questions – we were lucky to have ranger Chris with us too for most of the day. I thought he was particularly good at engaging the children with interesting facts and information – especially about skinks and geckos. My friend and I had a wonderful day (amazing weather included) and will definitely be recommending the trip. So glad we went.” – Sally (October 2016)