Experience one of New Zealand's most authentic and unforgettable wildlife encounters on this private tour from Auckland. Just an hour from the city, venture into the predator-free Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary, home to a thriving wild kiwi population and one of the best opportunities near Auckland to encounter New Zealand's iconic kiwi bird in its pristine natural habitat. As dusk settles over the native forest, embark on a fully guided night safari with kiwi experts, listening for distinctive kiwi calls and searching for these elusive nocturnal birds beneath a starlit sky. With breathtaking sunset views, opportunities for stargazing in an area with minimal light pollution, and the rare chance t...
Highlights
7 hours
Offered in English
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
7 hours
Offered in English
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Private transportation
Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland
Seasonal meal and refreshments along the way
Guided red-light night safari with expert kiwi guides
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
An intimate, nature-first wildlife experience designed for small groups
Pick up and drop off from Auckland
Hot chocolate and cookies served during the sanctuary experience
Refreshments and water on board
Learn about native wildlife, conservation, and habitat restoration
Carefully curated to combine wildlife, conservation, and authentic New Zealand experiences
WiFi on board
Complimentary high-speed internet onboard the minibus
A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the journey
One of the best opportunities near Auckland to encounter New Zealand's iconic kiwi bird in the wild
Luxurious temperature-controlled private transportation in a minibus
Cafe Style Dinner Included
Explore the predator-free Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary after dark
Admission to 3-hour fully guided Kiwi watching & wilderness experience
Breakfast
Lunch
Meeting Points
Departure
Mövenpick Hotel Auckland
Return
Kiwi Wilderness Experience - Private Tour From Auckland
Auckland CBD
About
Experience one of New Zealand's most authentic and unforgettable wildlife encounters on this private tour from Auckland. Just an hour from the city, venture into the predator-free Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary, home to a thriving wild kiwi population and one of the best opportunities near Auckland to encounter New Zealand's iconic kiwi bird in its pristine natural habitat. As dusk settles over the native forest, embark on a fully guided night safari with kiwi experts, listening for distinctive kiwi calls and searching for these elusive nocturnal birds beneath a starlit sky. With breathtaking sunset views, opportunities for stargazing in an area with minimal light pollution, and the rare chance t...
Highlights
7 hours
Offered in English
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
7 hours
Offered in English
Non-refundable
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Private transportation
Fully guided private return transfers from Auckland
Seasonal meal and refreshments along the way
Guided red-light night safari with expert kiwi guides
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
An intimate, nature-first wildlife experience designed for small groups
Pick up and drop off from Auckland
Hot chocolate and cookies served during the sanctuary experience
Refreshments and water on board
Learn about native wildlife, conservation, and habitat restoration
Carefully curated to combine wildlife, conservation, and authentic New Zealand experiences
WiFi on board
Complimentary high-speed internet onboard the minibus
A local English-speaking tour escort throughout the journey
One of the best opportunities near Auckland to encounter New Zealand's iconic kiwi bird in the wild
Luxurious temperature-controlled private transportation in a minibus
Cafe Style Dinner Included
Explore the predator-free Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary after dark
Admission to 3-hour fully guided Kiwi watching & wilderness experience
Breakfast
Lunch
Meeting Points
Departure
Mövenpick Hotel Auckland
Return
Itinerary
1
Auckland Central
We pickup travellers from most locations in the Auckland CBD location. If your pickup location is not available on the list, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will do our very best to accommodate your request.
15 minutes
2
Matakana
An hour north of Auckland, lies a world away, the stunning Matakana coast. Heading North of Auckland, we cross the Auckland harbour bridge, leaving the city behind, and watch the scenery become increasingly rural, as the city suburbs yield to farms, countryside, and coastline.
After passing through the charming little town of Matakana, set amongst tranquil vineyards, the beautiful coastal roads lead us to our destination. Tāwharanui is one of Auckland’s most popular regional parks and features glorious white sand beaches.
3
Matakana Market Kitchen
Before your sanctuary visit, enjoy a seasonal meal and refreshments, thoughtfully timed to align with sunset conditions
1 hour
4
Tawharanui Regional Park
Join your local tour guide, for a fantastic evening, exploring the Tāwharanui bird sanctuary, home to the New Zealand Kiwi! This unique experience is right on Auckland’s doorstep and will allow you to get up close with some of New Zealand’s rarest (and vocal!) birdlife. This thriving sanctuary, located on a remote peninsula in the Hauraki Gulf is the perfect habitat for Kiwi and other native NZ birds such as the Kereru, Tui, Wētā, Native Owl and much more!
Beginning at dusk, you’ll set off with your local guide in search of Kiwi using a red torchlight. As night falls, we set off keeping quiet as we scan the undergrowth, trying to catch a glimpse of the kiwi that have been reintroduced to the park. Keep an ear out for the shrill call of the Kiwi, itis very distinctive and almost mesmerizing.
3 hours
5
Auckland Central
After an exhilarating fun-filled bird watching adventure experience at Matakana, it is now time to head back to Auckland to conclude your evening and drop-off at your hotel in Auckland.
