Running every afternoon visiting Piha beach and the rainforest. This nature tour is a great introduction to New Zealand nature and visits some stunning scenery of rainforest and Piha’s black sand surf beach. Easy walking tracks and dramatic coastlines are only a short drive from Auckland city centre and our experienced guides and small group size means you will be well looked after.
After being picked up at your hotel our first stop is at a visitors centre at the entrance to the largest native rainforest area around Auckland. The Arataki Visitors Centre has dramatic panoramic views across the rainforest to both of Auckland’s harbours as well as views back to Auckland City. The visitors centre is also home to some traditional Māori carvings and your guide will talk about them and explain their significance for the area.
Continue on to the lush native rainforest where you walk the easy tracks among giant tree ferns. See and find out about the famous New Zealand silver fern, manuka and kauri trees as your guide talks about what makes New Zealand nature so unique. We also talk about the original Māori uses for some of the plants in the forest.
We then move on to experience the power of the rugged west coast where we stop at a stunning viewpoint overlooking Piha beach and the Tasman Sea before going down to the black sand beach. There you get the chance to stroll along one of the most awe-inspiring beaches New Zealand has to offer and watch the surf waves rolling in.
During the afternoon we also include a New Zealand style afternoon tea including biscuits (cookies), manuka honey and tea and coffee or juice.
As well as keeping you entertained and informed, our guides make sure you have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and make sure there are lots of photo opportunities. We have been running nature tours in this area for over 39 years so you will be being looked after by the local experts.
If you want to have a sneak preview of this tour you can see it as a virtual tour here.
“Beautiful scenery in both the rain forest park at the beach. Our guide, Alex, was knowledgeable and we felt like we learned a lot in addition to enjoying the stunning views..” – review March 2024
When you book on line you have the option to contribute to our sustainability commitment by donating $5 which will get a native tree planted on your behalf. We are working with Trees That Count and their community-based planting projects to donate native trees to be planted in Auckland. (Bush and Beach will match your donation, which means every $5 donation from you equals a native tree planted in Auckland.)
Please note: lunch is not included but there is the opportunity to purchase it enroute.
Operates 364 days of the year
Child price for ages 2-11
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance – learn more
If you are looking for a full day out you can add our city tour in the morning and book the Best of Both Worlds tour
If you want to do this as a private tour you can find out more here.
