Evening Kiwi Watching Tour Tawharanui
Join your local Kiwi tour guide for a fantastic evening exploring the Tawharanui Open 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) is the perfect habitat for Kiwi and other native NZ birds such as the Kereru, Tui, Native Owl and more.
Hot Milo & Cookie Included!
TOUR TIME
7.30 – 10.30pm Summer
6.00pm / 9.00pm in between season / end of daylight savings (April)
5.00 -8.00pm (Winter) May 2025 until late September 2025
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 mesmerising. 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!
Cost: $125 per person
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).
Tour Duration: 3 hours
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, five years and up ideally. As long as they are happy with some quiet walking and use of flash lights to navigate our way through the park at night. Please be considerate of your child’s behaviour versus other customers and their tour experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Duration:
3 hrs (or just over as sometimes the kiwi hold us up)!
Tour Days / Times:
Tours run Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
SUMMER 7.30 – 10.30pm WINTER 5.00pm – 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:
$125pp
Do you do family deals?
No sorry, children CAN BE harder work than adults, it doesn’t make sense that they be cheaper. We still love having them on tour though!
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 chocolate and cookies (DF/ GF) are included while we sit under the stars half way through the tour! You don’t need a torch, we supply specialist red lensed torches for each person. Plus great commentary and insightful facts along the way of course!
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 torches are supplied.
