7 hours (Approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
Overview
See the untamed beauty of New Zealand’s west coast on this North Island day trip from Auckland. Travel with a guide to the Waitakere Ranges, with a stop at the Arataki Visitor Centre overlook for views of the Tasman Sea out to the Pacific Ocean. Admire Maori carvings before a guided rainforest walk, then visit giant kauri trees and one of the area’s magnificent black sand beaches. Picnic lunch and light refreshments are included.
- Travel to New Zealand's rugged west coast on this scenic and relaxing full-day tour from Auckland
- Panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean
- Enjoy a picnic lunch
- Visit the Arataki Center, gateway to the Waitakere Ranges
- See traditional Maori carvings
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Auckland
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Start your day trip to the windswept western coastline north of Auckland with pickup from your city hotel. After a short drive, you’ll arrive at the Arataki Visitor Centre, considered the gateway to the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, which contains more than 39,500 acres (16,000 hectares) of rugged coast and rainforest.
From the panoramic decks, enjoy sweeping views of the Tasman Sea extending all the way to the Pacific. View traditional Maori carvings on display while your guide focuses on the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
Continue further west to the coastal rainforest and learn about native flora and fauna unique to New Zealand — 70 percent of which can be found nowhere else in the world. Walk alongside giant tree ferns growing near the stream, then dig your toes in the black sands of one of the region’s notorious beaches, bordered by rocky outcrops.
Enjoy a picnic lunch, served at a scenic location, before continuing your journey to an old-growth forest of giant kauri trees, some of them 1,000 years old. Listen for native birds as you walk among thee majestic giants, then re-board your vehicle for the return to Auckland.
From the panoramic decks, enjoy sweeping views of the Tasman Sea extending all the way to the Pacific. View traditional Maori carvings on display while your guide focuses on the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
Continue further west to the coastal rainforest and learn about native flora and fauna unique to New Zealand — 70 percent of which can be found nowhere else in the world. Walk alongside giant tree ferns growing near the stream, then dig your toes in the black sands of one of the region’s notorious beaches, bordered by rocky outcrops.
Enjoy a picnic lunch, served at a scenic location, before continuing your journey to an old-growth forest of giant kauri trees, some of them 1,000 years old. Listen for native birds as you walk among thee majestic giants, then re-board your vehicle for the return to Auckland.
Itinerary
After pick up from your Auckland city centre hotel we have a short (30min) drive to the Arataki Visitor Centre – gateway to the coastal rainforest. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the rainforest back to the city and across to Auckland’s southern harbour. The visitors centre is also home to some traditional Maori carvings and your guide will talk about them and explain their significance for the area.Your eco-tour includes a guided walk in an area of original rainforest where ancient kauri trees tower over the unique trees and plants that have developed separately from the rest of the world for millions of years. Your experienced guide will explain about the local plants and animals as you stroll through the forest.
Admission Ticket Free
Next your guide will take you out to the west coast to enjoy a kiwi-style picnic lunch at a scenic location. After lunch walk the clifftop tracks with stunning views along the coast and out across the Tasman Sea. Then walk in regenerating rainforest with giant tree ferns and palm trees growing alongside the picturesque stream to unwind by a spectacular cascading waterfall.
Admission Ticket Free
During the day we go to an awe-inspiring west coast beach where you can stroll along the soft black sand beach, watch the surf waves crashing in and feel the clear ocean breeze. This unique small group tour operator is a Qualmark Endorsed Visitor Activity and provides expert guided eco-tours in the greater Auckland region - a company delivering a quality product focusing on the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Winner of the Small Business Operator of the year for 2016 from the New Zealand Tourism Export Council
As well as keeping you entertained and informed, our guides will make sure you have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and make sure there are lots of photo opportunities. We have been running tours in this area for over 34 years so you will be being looked after by the local experts.
Duration: 1 hour
Admission Ticket Free
Traveler Photos
Traveler Tips
- "Also alot of the roads are narrow and twisty, so be forewarned if you are prone to motion sickness." See review
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Product code: 3582COAST
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