Tawharanui Wild Kiwi Bird Spotting Encounter
+5 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price from
- $63 / person
- Location
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Rating
- 4.7 / 5 · 46 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 10
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Social Nature Movement
- Meeting point
- Meet near the public bathrooms at the end of Takatu Rd (Anchor Bay), in Tawharanui Regional Park
Description
Discover Tawharanui Regional Park after dark on a guided Wild Kiwi Bird Spotting Encounter, where the forest comes alive with the sounds and movements of native wildlife. Far from city lights and crowds, this sanctuary offers the best opportunities near Auckland to observe the iconic North Island brown kiwi in its natural habitat. As night falls, we quietly explore predator-free coastal forest using specialised red lights and expert tracking techniques. Listen for rustling leaves and distinctive calls as kiwi forage through the undergrowth, often surprisingly close. Along the way you may also encounter other nocturnal species such as ruru (morepork), wētā, geckos, and glowworms, revealing a hidden side of New Zealand’s ecosystem. Between sightings, pause to appreciate the stillness of the night and the natural rhythms of the forest, while your guide shares insights into kiwi behaviour, conservation efforts, and the unique biodiversity that makes Tawharanui such a special sanctuary.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 12 times a day, 5:30 PM–8:45 PM
- Next available
- Sat, Oct 31
- Adult (ages 18–60)
- $63
- Child (ages 5–17)
- $58
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $748.
Larger groups pay less per person.
Out at sunset: the 6:15 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 8:06 PM in the coming weeks.
In demand: 152 of the next 181 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 30.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Tawharanui Peninsula
Discover Tawharanui Regional Park after dark on a guided Wild Kiwi Bird Spotting Encounter, where the forest comes alive with the sounds and movements of native wildlife. Far from city lights and crowds, this sanctuary offers the best opportunities near Auckland to observe the iconic North Island brown kiwi in its natural habitat. As night falls, we quietly explore predator-free coastal forest using specialised red lights and expert tracking techniques. Listen for rustling leaves and distinctive calls as kiwi forage through the undergrowth, often surprisingly close. Along the way you may also encounter other nocturnal species such as ruru (morepork), wētā, geckos, and glowworms, revealing a hidden side of New Zealand’s ecosystem. Between sightings, pause to appreciate the stillness of the night and the natural rhythms of the forest, while your guide shares insights into kiwi behaviour, conservation efforts, and the unique biodiversity that makes Tawharanui such a special sanctuary.
What's included
Included
Specialized equipment
Knowledgeable and Experienced Guide
Not included
Campsite bookings and fees
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.7
46 reviews
How it compares in Auckland
- Starting price $63 is 19% below the typical $78 for tours of similar length in Auckland
Excurgo comparison of 898 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tawharanui Wild Kiwi Bird Spotting Encounter take?
Tawharanui Wild Kiwi Bird Spotting Encounter lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does Tawharanui Wild Kiwi Bird Spotting Encounter cost?
Prices start at $63 per person for this Auckland experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $748. There are 4 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Tawharanui Wild Kiwi Bird Spotting Encounter run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 12 departures a day between 5:30 PM and 8:45 PM.
How much does Tawharanui Wild Kiwi Bird Spotting Encounter cost for children?
Children aged 5–17 pay from $58, adults from $63.
Does Tawharanui Wild Kiwi Bird Spotting Encounter sell out?
It can: 152 of the next 181 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Tawharanui Wild Kiwi Bird Spotting Encounter for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Meet near the public bathrooms at the end of Takatu Rd (Anchor Bay), in Tawharanui Regional Park. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Tawharanui Wild Kiwi Bird Spotting Encounter offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Tawharanui Wild Kiwi Bird Spotting Encounter worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 46 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Social Nature Movement.
Reviews(46)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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from$63
4.7(46) Free cancellation