Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour

5.0 (2 reviews) 6 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

2 reviews

5.0

View over Maukatia Bay — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore Auckland’s natural landscapes and wildlife at a relaxed pace on this small group tour from Auckland's city centre.

At your first stop of Mt Eden, walk the slopes of an extinct volcano and be rewarded with sweeping 360 degree views over Auckland.

Next, head out to the west coast to discover dramatic black sand beaches and rugged coastal cliffs. Stroll easy coastal paths to viewpoints overlooking thousands of nesting Australasian gannets, with sweeping views of the Tasman Sea, then enjoy time to explore the beach below. Learn how Māori culture, volcanic geology, and powerful ocean forces have shaped this unique landscape.

Lastly, enjoy a wine tasting at a small local winery, with the opportunity to stay for lunch, offering time to unwind before returning to the city via the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge.

Please be aware that coastal locations are exposed and weather conditions can change. The gannets are present from August until late March.

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Half-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Small Group

At a glance

Duration: 6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 11 people
People per booking: 1–11
Guide: English
Operated by: Voltours Limited

Ages: Adults (0–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Hotel or port pickup & drop-off
Included: Local guide
Included: Admission fees: Admission fee
Included: Bottled water
Included: Stop for lunch
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle

Not included

Not included: Food & drinks

Itinerary

Mount Eden

45 min

The first stop of your tour will be the iconic Mount Eden volcano. See the crater and learn about the volcanoes of Auckland and its first inhabitants, then walk to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Muriwai Gannet Colony

one hour

Visit and learn about the gannet colony, get up close to the birds for photographs, and enjoy the clifftop coastal scenery over Muriwai Beach. Note that the birds are present during August-March only.
Stop 3

45 min

Walk on the volcanic black sands of Maukatia Bay (Maori Bay), explore the tidal rocky cave, and dip your feet in the Tasman Sea.
Soljans Estate Winery

one hour

Partake in a complimentary wine tasting at a boutique family-run winery, and stay to have lunch at the Bistro (own cost).
Auckland Harbour Bridge

Passing by

Return to the central city by driving over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, which offers great views of the city and harbour.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

If a hotel pickup is not selected, please wait at the steps at 148 Quay St in front of Daikoku Restaurant and opposite the entrance to Queens Wharf, and your guide will meet with you there

We will message you the day before the tour to tell you which vehicle to look out for and the exact pickup time

End point

If a hotel pickup is not selected, please wait at the steps at 148 Quay St in front of Daikoku Restaurant and opposite the entrance to Queens Wharf, and your guide will meet with you there

We will message you the day before the tour to tell you which vehicle to look out for and the exact pickup time