This is the biggest event of the year! NPS hosts the event for people who like to explore rare butterflies and wonderful coastal landforms. As the islands are uninhabited, there is no public transport but only private tours can be arranged to visit them. We have been organizing the event over four years. Let's go to explore the world-class hexagonal columns and a very unique species of butterflies - Taractrocera maevius!

The Ninepin Group comprises South Ninepin Island, North Ninepin Island and East Ninepin Island, along with several small rock islets. It is also the place where the hexagonal rock columns are at their largest, with diameters of over two meters, making them the largest in the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region. Besides sight-seeing from the boat, we will land on both North and South Ninepin for exploration.

Taractrocera maevius, the common grass dart, a rather common species in India, but it is rare in Hong Kong and can only be found on Ninepins Group Islands off Sai Kung in certain months of the year. It is not recorded in the Mainland China and is far from its distribution range between India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. This extraordinary butterfly feeds on Ischaemum setaceum, which can be commonly found on the Islands.

Famous scenic wonders on North Ninepin Island include Cannon Rock, Moon Rocks and Big Stove Arch; and on South Ninepin Island include Stone Arch, Jacob's Ladder Cave, Backwash Cave and Y-shaped Cave. In the Sai Kung Volcanic Rock Region, the hexagonal rock columns exposed on North Ninepin are the most magnificent.

The spread of the novel coronavirus had caused this annual event suspended from 2021 to 2023. The event resumed in 2024 with continuous support from naturalists and hikers.

The annual trip was very successful and we would like to thank you and all of our friends for all your support !