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Coast and Rainforest Eco-Tour from Auckland with Lunch

Offered by Bush and Beach

From

$300.00 per person

4.9 (236 reviews)

Instant Confirmation

Check Availability on Viator

Booking handled by our partner, Viator

7 hours (approx.)Pickup Available Mobile or paper ticket accepted Offered in: English

Tour Overview

Embark on a journey through the lush landscapes and dramatic coastlines of West Auckland with this full-day tour, perfect for anyone with a passion for the outdoors and a good level of fitness. Starting with a pickup from your Auckland city center hotel, your day begins at the Arataki Visitor Centre. Here, you'll soak in expansive views stretching from the dense rainforest to the bustling city skyline and across Auckland's southern harbor. The center, renowned for its display of traditional Maori carvings, offers a rich narrative about the local culture, provided by your knowledgeable guide.

Next, delve into the heart of an ancient rainforest within the Waitakere Ranges, where towering kauri trees and a diverse array of flora have thrived for millions of years, evolving in isolation from the rest of the world. Your guide, versed in the area's ecological and historical contexts, will lead you through this verdant environment, highlighting both the towering trees and the smaller, unique species that contribute to the rainforest's intricate ecosystem.

Post-lunch, the adventure continues along the clifftop tracks, where you are treated to uninterrupted views of the rugged coastline and the vast Tasman Sea. The path here, demanding yet rewarding, is sure to invigorate your senses with its fresh ocean breeze and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing below.

The tour wouldn't be complete without a visit to one of Auckland's spectacular black sand beaches. The distinctive dark sand, formed from volcanic minerals and crystals, contrasts sharply with the white foam of the surf, providing a sensory and visual feast that encapsulates the raw beauty of New Zealand's west coast.

With over 34 years of experience, your local guides not only ensure a safe and enlightening journey but also enrich your visit with their deep understanding of the natural and cultural heritage of the region. Whether you're navigating the rainforest's complexity or tracing the contours of the coastline, this tour promises a thorough exploration of Auckland's most breathtaking

What's Included

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

Not Included:

  • Gratuities

What To Expect

  1. 1

    Arataki Visitor Centre - Waitakere Ranges

    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

    45 minutes

  2. 2

    Mercer Bay Loop

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

    1 hour

  3. 3

    Piha Beach

    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.

    1 hour

  4. 4

    Waitakere Ranges

    Enjoy a rainforest walk in the Waitakere Ranges

    1 hour

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup available

If requesting pickup, please select your preferred location when booking through Viator.

Pickup details

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

Or Meet At Meeting point

SkyCity Auckland

Corner Victoria and, Federal Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

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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

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Important Information

• 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.

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • 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
  • Good level of fitness required.
  • Please note: tour includes a minimum of 3x 1 hour short hikes, including stairs
  • Not recommended for travelers who find stairs challenging
  • Not recommended for travelers with any kind of mobility issues
  • Not recommended for young children

Cancellation Policy

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