Discover Tawharanui Regional Park after dark on a guided Wild Kiwi Bird Spotting Encounter, where the forest comes alive with the sounds and movements of native wildlife. Far from city lights and crowds, this sanctuary offers the best opportunities near Auckland to observe the iconic North Island brown kiwi in its natural habitat. As night falls, we quietly explore predator-free coastal forest using specialised red lights and expert tracking techniques. Listen for rustling leaves and distinctive calls as kiwi forage through the undergrowth, often surprisingly close. Along the way you may also encounter other nocturnal species such as ruru (morepork), wētā, geckos, and glowworms, revealing a hidden side of New Zealand’s ecosystem. Between sightings, pause to appreciate the stillness of the night and the natural rhythms of the forest, while your guide shares insights into kiwi behaviour, conservation efforts, and the unique biodiversity that makes Tawharanui such a special sanctuary.