Coast and Rainforest Eco-Tour from Auckland with Picnic Lunch

4.9 (287 reviews) 7 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

287 reviews

4.9

Stunning Black Sand Beach — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Arataki Visitors Centre — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This full day tour is for lovers of nature and hiking, your experienced local nature guide will take you to a range of rainforest, beach and clifftop hikes. The black sand beaches and rainforest of West Auckland are unique in New Zealand and this tour is a great way to experience the best it has to offer. (3 x 1hr short hikes)

*HIGH LEVEL OF FITNESS REQUIRED. This tour is not suitable for people with any kind of mobility issues. The hikes involve stairs and gradient changes. please note areas visited will differ depending on weather & fitness levels of the clients on the day.

*We are no longer unable to visit a waterfall due to track & road closures from cyclone damage.

Day Trips Nature and Wildlife Tours Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Walking Tours Eco Tours Nature Walks

At a glance

Duration: 7 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–9
Guide: English
Operated by: Bush and Beach

Ages: Children (5–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Light refreshments
Included: Local guide
Included: GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Included: Picnic lunch
Included: Hotel pickup and drop off

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Arataki Visitor Centre - Waitakere Ranges

45 min

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 hike 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 walk through the forest.

*This hike includes stairs
Mercer Bay Loop

one hour

After lunch, hike the clifftop tracks with stunning views along the coast and out across the Tasman Sea.
Piha Beach

one hour

During the day we go to an awe-inspiring west coast beach where you can walk 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.

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.
Stop 4

one hour

Enjoy a rainforest walk in the Waitakere Ranges

Meeting point and pickup

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

Meeting point

If you have not confirmed an inner city hotel pick up with us then our central meeting point is SkyCity Hotel entrance. If you are meeting here this will need to be confirmed with us. Please call to confirm at least 24 hours prior - 0800 423 224

End point

If you have not confirmed an inner city hotel pick up with us then our central meeting point is SkyCity Hotel entrance. If you are meeting here this will need to be confirmed with us. Please call to confirm at least 24 hours prior - 0800 423 224

Pickup points

Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences
M Social Hotel Auckland
The Chancellor on Hobson
SkyCity Hotel Auckland
Crowne Plaza Auckland By IHG
Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West
Travelodge Hotel Auckland Wynyard Quarter
Grand Millennium Auckland
Adina Auckland Britomart
Legacy Airedale Hotel Auckland
Four Points by Sheraton Auckland
Auckland City Hotel - Hobson St

and 39 more pickup points

Departure Point: Tour departs from selected Auckland hotels, if your hotel is not in the list above please advise of Hotel name upon booking. Pick up time must be reconfirmed with Bush and Beach if you have not already contacted us. Pick ups are before the tour start time.

Return point: Returns to original departure point

Using your ticket

Moderate level of walking ability required. tour includes up to 3 hikes of 1 hour each, including stairs

Hotel pickups commence prior to 10am, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.

This tour requires a minimum of 2 adults for the tour to run.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
High level of fitness required.
Please note: tour includes a minimum of 3x 1 hour short hikes, including stairs and hills
Not recommended for travelers who find stairs challenging
Not recommended for travelers with any kind of mobility issues
Not recommended for young children