Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour

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Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour

Style

Join-in (make new friends)

Language

English

Duration

6 Hours approx.

Maximum Group Size

Maximum 11 persons

Perfect for Mingoers who are...

  • Wine-Taster
  • Nature-Navigator
  • Food-Connoisseur
  • Photography-Obsesser

Accessibility & Support

  • Kid-Friendly
  • Senior-Friendly

Overview

Explore Auckland’s breathtaking natural landscapes, coastal wildlife, and boutique wine country at a relaxed pace on this 6-hour small group journey. Starting from central Auckland, your adventure begins with a walk up the slopes of Mt. Eden for sweeping 360-degree views across the city skyline and harbor. From there, venture out to the wild west coast to discover dramatic black sand beaches, rugged coastal cliffs, and the famous Muriwai Gannet Colony, where thousands of nesting seabirds gather against the backdrop of the powerful Tasman Sea. To top off the experience, enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at a boutique family-run winery in Kumeu, with time to unwind over lunch before returning across the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge. We are a small, passionate local team dedicated to personal, friendly, and conversational travel experiences. Your tour will be hosted by Mike, Harriet, Jerome, or one of our small team of expert guides - all ready to share rich insights into Māori culture, volcanic geology, and local ecology while answering any question you have! Tour Highlights: 🌋 Mt. Eden Volcano: Walk around the crater of Auckland’s highest extinct volcano for stunning panoramic city views. 🪶 Muriwai Gannet Colony: Stroll coastal cliff paths to observe thousands of nesting Australasian gannets up close (present August–March). 🌊 Volcanic Black Sand Beaches: Walk the volcanic sands of Maukatia (Maori) Bay, explore tidal sea caves, and feel the Tasman Sea waves. 🍷 Kumeu Wine Tasting: Enjoy a boutique wine tasting at Soljans Estate Winery, with an option to stay for a delicious Bistro lunch. 🚐 Small Group Comfort: Travel in an intimate group (max 11 guests) with hotel​/​cruise transfers and expert local storytelling.

What's Included

  • Expert local guide
  • Air-conditioned minivan transportation
  • Complimentary wine tasting at Soljans Estate Winery
  • Central Auckland hotel and cruise port pick-up and drop-off
  • Access to all parks, beaches, and reserves visited

What's Not Included

  • Lunch and cafe purchases (Available for purchase at Soljans Estate Winery Bistro)
  • Personal expenses

Meeting Point

Hotel or cruise port pickup offered, OR meet at 148 Quay Street

Itinerary

  • Mount Eden / Maungawhau

    Walk the slopes and crater rim of Auckland's highest extinct volcano, taking in 360-degree views of the city while learning about early Māori inhabitants.

  • Muriwai Gannet Colony

    Stroll clifftop paths overlooking Muriwai Beach to photograph thousands of nesting Australasian gannets and learn about these remarkable ocean birds. (Note: Gannets present August–March only).

  • Maukatia / Maori Bay

    Walk along the volcanic black sands of Maukatia Bay, explore natural tidal rocky caves, and touch the waters of the Tasman Sea.

  • Soljans Estate Winery

    Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at a boutique, Croatia-heritage family winery in Kumeu, with free time to purchase lunch at the winery bistro.

  • Auckland Harbour Bridge

    Drive back into central Auckland over the Harbour Bridge, enjoying panoramic skyline views to end your day.

End Point

Returns directly to your original meeting point, hotel, or cruise ship terminal in central Auckland, or request to be dropped off anywhere in the city centre.

Additional Information

  • What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, camera, jacket, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate outdoor clothing.
  • Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible.
  • Weather Policy: Coastal locations are exposed and conditions change quickly; tours operate in rain or shine, so please dress appropriately.

Plan B

In bad weather or stormy coastal conditions, your guide will ensure as far as possible to make alternative appropriate stops, and may reduce time spent walking on exposed clifftops and beaches.

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Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour

Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour

NZD 290.00 per person

NZD 290.00 per person