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 one hour from downtown Auckland) is the perfect habitat for Kiwi and other native NZ birds such as the Kereru, Tui, Native Owl, Morpork and more.
Evening Kiwi Watching Tour Tawharanui
Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Guided Kiwi Walk (3hrs)
7.30pm – 10.30pm (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.
If you are lucky you may even get the chance to see these treasured nocturnal birds!
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!
$95 per Adult WINTER SPECIAL (ends Aug 31) Adults just $65pp
$39 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, 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 1-2km for the 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. Just outside 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: 5.00pm – 8.00pm (3hrs)
*Please Note: Summer Hours are 7.30pm – 10.30pm (3hrs) With the potential to be pushed back later in the height of summer months (Dec/Jan) from 8.00pm – 11.00pm.
Getting to Matakana:
There are public buses to Matakana from Auckland. Check out the Metro timetable here: https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/
What Guests Should Bring
- Your lovely selves and a quiet night time voice as 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.
