The Vision

“To create an open sanctuary where visitors can freely experience a representative range of natural communities that would have originally been present on the Tāwharanui peninsula”

Imagine a coastal landscape where wetlands and forests are regenerating, treasured species like kiwi, pāteke, bellbird, whitehead and robin thrive, sheep and cattle graze and everyone is welcome.

Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary is a unique blend of conservation, recreation and sustainable farming within Tāwharanui Regional Park. The open sanctuary includes mature and regenerating native bush, wonderful beaches, spectacular coastal cliffs, wetlands, heritage sites, a marine reserve and extensive areas of rich pasture.

The Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary Society (TOSSI) was formed in 2002 to help make the open sanctuary project a reality. TOSSI works in partnership with the Auckland Council and is involved in volunteer programs, fundraising, education and advocacy. We are a community based organisation with charitable status.

In 2004 we helped fund a 2.5 km predator-proof fence built across Tāwharanui peninsula to create a refuge for native animals free from pests such as rats, stoats and possums. With TOSSI’s help, fourteen species have returned to breed or been re-introduced to the sanctuary including takahē, kiwi, pāteke, kākāriki, bellbirds, robins, kākā, whiteheads, tīeke (saddleback) and seabirds.

TOSSI projects include forest and wetland restoration, re-introduction of threatened species, monitoring animals and plants, pest control, our nursery, and the development of walking tracks.