Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Discover Auckland’s wild west coast on a private journey through the Waitākere Ranges to Karekare Falls and the dramatic black sands of Piha.
Begin at the Arataki Visitor Centre, with sweeping views across native forest towards Auckland’s harbours and an introduction to the landscape, culture and environment of the ranges.
Continue to Karekare Falls, where a short bush walk leads to a beautiful waterfall, before travelling to Piha Beach. Walk the volcanic black sand, take in the Tasman Sea and surrounding cliffs, and discover the forces that shaped Lion Rock and this remarkable coastline.
With a relaxed pace, there’s time for short walks, photos and additional stops along the way. Your local guide shares stories of the region’s geology, Māori heritage, environment and history throughout the journey.
Travel in your own private, air-conditioned vehicle, with Auckland CBD or cruise terminal pickup and drop-off included.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
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.
Your guide will arrive in a “Your Kiwi Tour” vehicle and may contact you by phone if needed.
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket.
Itinerary
-
1Arataki 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 -
2Piha Beach
At Piha Beach, guests will have up to an hour to explore a coastline that feels completely different from anything in central Auckland. Your guide will take you out onto the black-sand beach, explaining what makes it so distinctive — how the colour comes from the volcanic rock of the Waitākere Ranges and why it can feel warm underfoot even on cooler days. You’ll have time to walk the shoreline, feel the texture of the sand, and take in the sweeping views of the west coast. Your guide will also point out the surrounding cliffs and Lion Rock, explaining how these features were formed and why Piha has such a strong, rugged character. There’s plenty of time to take photos, get closer to Lion Rock, and enjoy the open space and fresh sea air. This stop gives you the chance to slow down, explore freely, and really experience what makes Piha unique — its black sand, its wild surf, and the dramatic landscape that wraps around it.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children are welcome on tour. New Zealand law requires an approved child restraint for all children under. Parents/guardians must bring their own child seat. We do not carry spare seats.
- Travellers must be able to safely enter and exit a standard vehicle without assistance.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Get our app
