Private Tour of Auckland's Gannet Colony - Above the black sand

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4 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Discover one of New Zealand's most spectacular seasonal wildlife experiences on this private half-day journey to Auckland's Gannet Colony.

From September to March, thousands of Australasian gannets return to Auckland's rugged west coast to breed, creating one of the country's most impressive wildlife spectacles.

Travel through the Waitākere Ranges, stopping at Arataki Visitor Centre for panoramic views before continuing to Muriwai Beach & the nearby clifftop viewing platforms overlooking the colony. Watch thousands of gannets nesting, raising their young and soaring on the powerful Tasman Sea winds while learning about their fascinating breeding cycle.

From returning adults and nest building in September to fluffy chicks, growing juveniles and fledglings taking their first flights, every stage of the season offers something unique. With dramatic black-sand beaches, rugged coastline and extraordinary wildlife, this private tour showcases Auckland's wild west coast at its very best.

What's Included

Enjoy a cup of locally sourced kawakawa tea sweetened with native New Zealand honey.
Visit Arataki Visitor Centre — A chance to enjoy panoramic views of the Waitākere regional park
Bottled water
Time to walk the iconic Muriwai black-sand beach
Observe the Australasian gannet breeding colony at Muriwai
Please let us know if you are travelling with children under 7 years of age so we can provide a suitable safety seat. We will need the age, height and weight of each child under 7.
Travel in comfort with your personal guide in a modern, air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz V-Class minivan
Airport pick ups or drop-offs are not included in this tour.
Personal expenses — Any purchases made during the tour are not included.
Meals, snacks, and beverages are not included unless specifically mentioned.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Please be ready at your confirmed pickup location and clearly visible to your guide at least 5 minutes before departure.

Hotel pickups:
Wait inside the main hotel lobby, near the entrance, so your guide can easily locate you.

Cruise/Port pickups:
Please wait at the designated passenger pickup zone and keep an eye out for your guide.

What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket.

Itinerary

Duration: 4 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Arataki Visitor Centre - Waitakere Ranges

    At Arataki Visitor Centre, guests step into the entranceway of the Waitākere Ranges, surrounded by sweeping views of native forest, reservoirs, and the Tasman coastline. During our 30-minute stop, there’s time to walk out onto the viewing decks, take photographs from the iconic carved frame overlooking the ranges, and enjoy the sense of space and calm that this landscape creates. Inside the centre, visitors can explore displays that share the geology, ecology, and cultural significance of the area, including artworks and stories connected to mana whenua. It’s a gentle introduction to the region, helping guests understand the environment they’ll be travelling through on the rest of the tour. The centre also has clean bathroom facilities, making it a comfortable and convenient stop before we continue toward the coastline and Piha.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Muriwai Beach

    Explore the iconic black-sand beach at Muriwai, where towering cliffs, crashing surf and sweeping coastal views showcase the rugged character of Auckland's west coast. It's the perfect opportunity to experience one of New Zealand's most distinctive coastal landscapes and capture unforgettable photographs.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Muriwai Gannet Colony

    At the Muriwai Gannet Colony, follow clifftop walkways offering close-up views of thousands of Australasian gannets (takapu) at their nesting site — the world’s only mainland breeding colony of this species. Watch as adults tend their nests, feed chicks, and launch themselves into the coastal winds before heading out over the Tasman Sea. These viewpoints allow for detailed observation of gannet behaviour and movement, often just metres away. Beyond the colony, experience Muriwai’s dramatic west coast setting, with sweeping ocean views, rugged headlands, and wide black-sand beaches shaped by the power of the Tasman Sea. There is time for photography, short walks, and simply taking in the scale and energy of this unique coastal environment.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please let us know if you are travelling with children under 7 years of age so we can provide a suitable safety seat. We will need the age, height and weight of each child under 7.
  • Travellers must be able to safely enter and exit a standard vehicle without assistance.
Supplied by Your Kiwi Tour

Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Shore Excursions
Port Pickup

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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