Auckland Waitakere Rainforest, Waterfalls and Black Sand Coast

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7 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Takahē Adventures runs this private day from Auckland into the Waitākere Ranges and West Coast, guided by Paul, the owner. Just your group, with the route shaped around your pace and interests.

This generally start at the Arataki Visitor Centre, gateway to the ranges, then walk among 500-year-old kauri. Choose an easy day of short walks on formed tracks (about 5 km), a medium day with one longer walk (8–10 km), or an adventurous 15–16 km hike. No hiking experience needed.

Lunch is a gourmet New Zealand picnic beside a waterfall, in the forest or on the beach. Swim beneath the falls or between the flags at Piha, weather permitting. Finish on the Mercer Bay clifftops above the Tasman Sea before returning to Auckland around 4:30 pm.

Children are welcome and we set the pace to the slowest legs in the group. We follow kauri dieback hygiene and leave no trace.

This is a private tour and please contact us if you would like us to customise a day to shape your group.

What's Included

Private pickup and drop-off anywhere in Auckland, including the airport and cruise terminal. Just your group in the vehicle.
Gourmet New Zealand picnic lunch: local cheeses, fresh bread, cured meats and seasonal fruit. Dietary requirements catered for.
Private tour guided by Paul, the owner
Restaurant lunch or dinner at Aryeh (Piha) or The Olive Kitchen and Bar, available on request

Meeting and pickup

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

We pick up from anywhere in Auckland: your hotel, Airbnb, Auckland Airport or the cruise ship terminal, and drop you back where you started or wherever you're going next. Standard pickup is 9:00 am - contact us before booking and we're happy to adjust the timing to suit your schedule.

Itinerary

Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Arataki Visitor Centre - Waitakere Ranges

    We start at the gateway to the Waitākere Ranges, with views over the forest from the viewing decks. Inside, an 11 m kauri pou (carved post) depicts the ancestors of Te Kawerau ā Maki, guardians of the Great Forest of Tiriwā. Then a guided walk on the Arataki Nature Trail past 500-year-old kauri.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Karekare Beach

    Coffee and a walk on the black sand at Karekare, where the Tasman Sea meets the edge of the rainforest.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Karekare Falls

    A short walk to the waterfall, then a gourmet New Zealand picnic of local cheeses, fresh bread, cured meats and seasonal fruit beside the falls. Optional swim at the base of the waterfall if conditions allow.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Mercer Bay Loop

    Late in the day we swap the rainforest for the clifftops above Te Unuhanga-a-Rangitoto / Mercer Bay. The 2.3 km track takes about an hour and a quarter, with the Tasman Sea breaking on the black-sand beach below. A good place to finish, and even better at sunset.

    1 hour 15 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Takahē Adventures

Tags

Nature and Wildlife Tours
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Car Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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