Evening Kiwi Watching Tour Tawharanui
Join your local Kiwi tour guide, Ness, for a fantastic evening exploring the Tawharanui Bird Sanctuary, home to the New Zealand Kiwi bird! This thriving sanctuary, located on a remote peninsula in the Hauraki Gulf (roughly 1 hour 30min from downtown Auckland) and is the perfect habitat for Kiwi and other native NZ birds such as the Kereru, Tui, Native Owl and more.
Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Guided Kiwi Walk (3hrs)
7.00pm – 10.00pm (Summer)
5.oopm – 8.oopm (Winter)
With native forest, lush pastures, gorgeous coastal views and sandy beaches, it’s easy to see why the Kiwi call Tawharanui home. With the tour beginning at dusk, you’ll set off with your local guide in search of Kiwi by red torchlight. Keep an ear out for the shrill call of the Kiwi, it is very distinctive and almost mesmerizing. You will learn how to identify the difference between the male and female calls as well as other fascinating facts about these wonderful birds throughout the tour.
There is a very high chance to see these treasured nocturnal birds, so for any unlucky nights a free tour until you do is on offer from Kiwiness!
The small group numbers of the tour ensure you get the most out of your experience, making for a memorable and informative evening exploring the sanctuary and habitat of the New Zealand Kiwi!
$85 per Adult
$45 per Child (12 & under)
What we do – Wild Kiwi Spotting
This is a small group tour into an amazing bird sanctuary that just so happens to have one of Auckland’s favourite surf beaches, campgrounds and walking trails! Join your local guide Ness as she shows you her ‘backyard’.
Not many people get the chance to spot a Kiwi in its natural habitat – this unique experience, right on Auckland’s doorstep and will allow you to get up close with some of New Zealand’s rarest (and vocal!) birdlife. As a protected, predator-free sanctuary, a night walk through Tawharanui gives you a rare glimpse into the sights and sounds of the New Zealand forest, pre-European settlement.
The trails are well maintained, and relatively flat with just a few undulations. Total distance walked will vary, but averages about 2km for the whole tour. We provide hot chocolate and homemade cookies for you to enjoy while learning about the area and awaiting dark for our nocturnal friends!
Pick up/Drop off
Matakana I-Site. The upstairs of the Cinema complex in Matakana Village. (1hr North of Auckland).
Direct accommodation pick-up and drop-offs can be arranged at an extra cost.
Tour Duration: 3 hours
Summer (September 27th 2020 – 3rd April 2021): 7pm until 10pm
Winter (4th April 2021 until September 26th 2021): 5pm until 8pm
IF YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE BIRD ENTHUSIAST
….(Yes you have the binos, cannon and know every bird name and call), then please understand that this is a tour for all ages and abilities. It is about discovering the park with a true local while searching for the Northern Brown Kiwi and learning some fun facts along the way. If you would rather a more serious bird watching tour, then our friends at HABITAT TOURS would be another great choice.
What Guests Should Bring
Your lovely selves and a quiet night time voice to not scare these beautiful birds away
Enclosed shoes (trainers/sneakers) or if you don't have any, then enclosed sandals are fine. Heavy boots are NOT advised! (quieter the better)
Rain Jacket and a warm layer (just in case)
Is it suitable for Children?
Yes! As long as they are happy with some quiet walking and use of flash lights to navigate our way through the park at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Duration:
3 hrs (or just over as sometimes the kiwi hold us up)!
Tour Times:
WINTER (4th April 2021 until September 26th 2021) 5.00pm – 8.00pm
SUMMER (27th September until April 3rd 2022) 7.00pm – 8.00pm
What’s the chance of seeing a Kiwi?
Nothing is guaranteed as this is a real deal nature tour, and we don’t use trackers. BUT, the chances are really high. So high that if it is the unluckiest of nights, then a free tour until you do is offered.
Price:
Adults $85pp Child (12 years and under) $45pp.
Do you do family deals?
No sorry, the pricing is fair for adult versus child.
What about larger private group rates?
This can be negotiated with Kiwiness Tours on a case by case basis. Get in touch HERE.
What is Supplied?
Van transport from the meeting point in Matakana. Hot milo and home-baked cookies (advise of dietaries and we do accommodate)! Red lensed torchers for each person. Great commentary and insightful facts along the way.
If we are staying at Tawharanui Park, can we just meet you there?
Yes absolutely, just let us know and we will meet you at Anchor Bay.
Do we bring a torch?
You do not need a torch, as high-quality red-lensed torchers are supplied.
