Auckland · WILDLIFE & NATURE RESERVES
27 reviewed
The shortlist we’d hand a friend: the 15 wildlife & nature reserves tours worth booking, each with its price, its traveller verdict, and the one thing to know before you commit.
4.5-hour eco cruise from Viaduct Harbour in the Hauraki Gulf to spot whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and seabirds with scientists.
“Had an absolutely amazing time! Managed to get some amazing video of the Dolphins playing at the front of the boat which was so impressive. Sadly no Whales on the day, maybe next time. Crew were very friendly, helpful and knowlegablRead more”
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!”
Waiheke ziplining on native forest canopy: 3 dual 650-foot rides over vineyards, plus a guided walk and Waiheke mini-tour for $89.
“Overall, it was a great experience and I would highly recommend it. Our guided Fraser and Ben were friendly and knowledgeable and made the zip lining easy. It was my first time and my partner’s second. It goes really fast once you are there and the hike back through the forest is lovely. It was a but hectic for is catching the ferry over from Auckland. The Fillers360 9am ferry was full and so we bought another last minute ticket on Island Direct at 9:15 which made us slightly late. I recommend go early or if you’re staying over on Waiheke Island then it’s not an issue obviously”
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.”
Auckland coast and rainforest day trip to Waitakere Ranges, Arataki Sea views, Piha black-sand beach, and a picnic lunch.
“We booked this tour as a cruise ship excursion on our own. We met at the bus stop in front of the HSBC building, about a 5 minute walk from the ship. We were picked up at 0945h and there was a total of 12 people on the tour. Our guides was Kevin and the driver was Ian. They provided a lot of history about the local area throughout the journey. We stopped at a bakery to pick up our lunch and a snack, provided by the company. We stopped at the Arataki visitor centre where Kevin explained the significance of Maori carvings at the site. We went to our…”
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…”
Cruise from Auckland to Tiritiri Matangi, walk pest-free tracks, spot rare birds and tuatara, and visit the oldest working lighthouse.
“The trip to Tiritiri Mantangi Island was very valuable. It is great how much effort all volunteers are giving to keep the island pest free and preserve endangered birds.”
A small-group Auckland day mixing city landmarks, Waitakere rainforest walks, and Piha black-sand beach, plus kiwi tea and hotel pickup.
“The guides, David and Kevin, were excellent and made it a fantastic day. I enjoyed learning so much about Auckland and New Zealand”
Kayak the Goat Island Marine Reserve from a clear-floor clearyak at Leigh. Equipment and instruction included; pick 30 or 60 minutes.
“The pictures don’t do this experience justice! It’s an incredibly beautiful spot and we had so much fun exploring in the kayaks, looking at the fish, etc. Would highly recommend!”
Night kiwi spotting at Tawharanui near Auckland, plus dark-sky stargazing with a guide. $89 for kiwi calls, tracking, and stars.
“Ryan was a fun guide. Saw 7-8 kiwis and star was stunning despite ex-cyclone tam”
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”
Canyoning Piha rainforest adventure from Auckland with 50m abseils, rappelling waterfalls, pool jumps, then Piha black-sand beach.
“This was just an amazing experience, we had so much fun. Cam was an amazing guide and helped us with all our stuff for our first time, very patient and helpful. Every aspect of this was just great, highly recommend”
Go kiwi spotting in Tawharanui at twilight, then switch to telescope stargazing away from city lights in a small group.
“Legends a Legend, really enjoyed the experience and the knowledge he had. Managed to see 3 Kiwis and got really close to one!”
Auckland North Shore glowworm walk in Awaruku Reserve. Small group, close-up bioluminescent larvae, native forest lessons, photo time.
“This was a beautiful tour, so many glowworms lighting up the forest. The tour guide was great, he was very knowledgeable about the glowworms and had a great personality. Would 100% recommend for anyone visiting Auckland.”
