Auckland · WEST COAST & BLACK SAND BEACHES
24 reviewed
Half an hour west of the city the tarmac ends and the rainforest begins: Piha’s black sand, Karekare’s waterfall, the Waitākere ranges closing overhead. These are the best west coast trips from Auckland, compared on where they take you, how much walking is involved, and what the day costs.
Afternoon Piha Beach and rainforest tour from Auckland with Arataki views, guided bushwalk, black-sand time, and manuka honey tea.
“Warren was our guide and he was fantastic! Great afternoon getting to explore the area outside of Auckland!”
A 5-hour small-group tour from Auckland to Piha’s black-sand beach and Waitakere Ranges rainforest, with tea, local stories, and big views.
“Annie our driver and guide was so enthusiastic and knowledgable about every aspect of our tour. We weren’t rushed at all and even had some unscheduled stops at some additional view points. The scenery was spectacular, especially along the coast and Annie even had towels in case anyone got wet on the beach. The hot drinks and Honey from the back of the minibus were very welcome. Would definitely recommend the tour.”
West Auckland in one day: Piha black-sand coast, Karekare Falls views, and Kumeu/Waimauku winery tastings with lunch.
“In beautiful autumn weather, John gave us an excellent day tour of the area near Auckland, mainly to the west, taking in the ranges, the coast and beaches, the magnificent Kauri tree, then two wineries (with very tasty wines). His commentary was excellent and we were entirely comfortable with his driving. A great way to finish our short NZ visit.”
A small-group Auckland city tour plus Piha rainforest walk with harbour views, afternoon tea, and black-sand beach time.
“Alex did the morning tour and was so welcoming of everyone. The tour around Auckland was great and Alex very knowledgeable and could answer every question. We had some lovely stops and learnt a lot about Auckland. The afternoon saw us with Murray and Erin to go to one of the beaches and also on a beautiful rainforest walk. Both Murray and Erin were also very knowledgeable and it was really interesting to learn about all the different trees and plants, and about the different birds, and about the pests that are destroying this beautiful place. Thank you Bush and Beach for a great tour. We will definitely book with…”
Half-day Auckland tour: Muriwai black-sand beach, gannet cliffs, and guided tastings at Kumeu-area wineries. Small group.
“Our guide, John McFarlane did a fantastic job. His knowledge, enthusiasm and passion was truly refreshing.”
Small-group Auckland wine tour with tastings and lunch at three wineries, plus Muriwai black-sand beach and a honey stop.
“The three wineries were great. Had a super great lunch at one of the wineries. Unfortunately it was a real rainy day so not such a great experience with the stop at the beach but the guide made his best effort to at least give us a glimpse. The reference in the header to Honey is a little misleading. Tasted and actually purchased some excellent honey but with the title in the tour expected to see actual honeycombs and how it was gathered. Nothing close to that.”
Small-group Auckland city + West Coast tour with black-sand Piha, Arataki rainforest views, plus lunch and snacks from a central pickup.
“We had a great time on our Auckland city and West Coast full day tour. Our guide Sophia was a Maori (indigenous people to New Zealand).So we got to see all of our clients through her eyes. We had a small group of six people only whiRead more”
Piha Beach day trip from Auckland: black-sand walks, cliff caves, native forest loop, picnic, and wildlife spotting with guide Louis.
“Beautiful scenery and Lewis was great at showing us /teaching about local flora/fauna and about the local communities on the way to our destination. A must do outing.”
Private Auckland tour with pickup: Westhaven, Mount Eden, gardens, Mission Bay lunch, Arataki rainforest stops, and Piha black-sand beach.
“Very warm n friendly knowledge about stops was very great open minded as to our needs highly recommended very full adventurous day”
Auckland to Piha Beach, Karekare Falls, and Arataki Visitor Centre with pickup, guided entry tickets, snacks, and WiFi on board.
“Our tour guide told us so much about the city and sights. Our time at each stop was perfect. It was a relaxing day and great sights to see.”
A 6-hour Auckland West Coast Discovery to Piha black-sand beach, Karekare Falls, Arataki viewpoints, and Lion Rock, with Wi-Fi.
“Great info from our guide. He was very personable and answered all of our questions. We loved the waterfall and Piha beach.”
Muriwai Surf School takes you to Auckland west coast for a 2-hour beginner group lesson. Gear and wetsuit included, small groups.
“Jacob was amazing and really helped me as someone who has never surf in my life. He explained very well & gave great assistance. I had an amazing time.”
Mercedes luxury Auckland day trip: Domain and Parnell, Tamaki Drive, Rangitoto and Harbour Bridge, Waitakere rainforest and black sand beaches.
“Very knowledgeable guide and great lesson on the Māori culture. We really appreciated the insider perspective on New Zealand.”
Private 5-hour Auckland tour: Piha black-sand beach, Mercer Bay cliffs, Kitekite Falls rainforest walk, and Mt Eden crater views.
“Unfortunately I booked a lot of activity in Spanish, and they sent a guide in English. The guide is a self-employed person, so faced with a problem there is no one to claim. Although the tour transfers us to the contracted sites, the failure to do so in the contracted language, makes it impossible to interact sought on a private tour.Auto-translated”
Private Auckland tour with Mt Eden crater views, Piha black-sand beach and Lion Rock, Arataki, plus Karekare Falls. Pick your start time.
“We can’t think of one thing to improve. It was a fabulous day. Mautu was very accommodating, friendly and very informative. We had already done one of the planned activities so he came up with a wonderful alternative, but still fitted into our schedule. We could not hope for a better guide or driver or experience.”
