Waitakere Ranges Eco-Tour: Rainforest and Piha Beach

Escape the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges. Explore rainforests, stroll along black sand beaches, and enjoy informative commentary on this 5-hour eco-tour.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Arataki Visitor Centre - Waitakere Ranges - Enjoy amazing views and hear about the history of the Waitakere Ranges at the first stop on this tour. The visitors centre is also home to some traditional Māori carvings and your guide will talk about them and explain their significance for the area.
  • Waitakere Ranges - Enjoy a easy walk through the…
What's Included
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
  • Visit a black sand beach
  • Enjoy stunning coastal views
  • Inner city Auckland hotel pick up and drop off
  • Tea and coffee
  • Guided rainforest walk
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Food
Additional Information

Explore and admire Auckland’s largest regional park, the Waitakere Ranges, on this 5-hour afternoon eco-tour. It’s the perfect way to escape the city and enjoy the natural beauty right at Auckland’s doorstep.
You’ll be picked up from your centrally located Auckland hotel and travel 30 minutes west to the Waitakere Ranges.
From there, you’ll head further…

Location
SkyCity Auckland
Federal Street
If you have not confirmed an inner city hotel pick up with us then our central meeting point is the entrance to the SkyCity Hotel at 12.10pm. However you MUST confirm with us that you are meeting us at this point before 8am on day of travel. Please call to confirm.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(724 Ratings)
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Darynn
Sep 26, 2025
Fantastic tour! - Annie was a fantastic guide! She was funny, knowledgeable, and made sure we were comfortable on our journey. She threw in a few extra sights and tidbits that were much enjoyed. She pointed out wildlife and taught us to appreciate the forests, animals, and people of New Zealand. The tour is beautiful and allows space to ask anything you want to know about the country. The beach was windy and cold when we went, so definitely bring a hat and/or jacket. Would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rebecca_h
Sep 19, 2025
Fantastic way to spend an afternoon - Wonderful experience! Chris was a great guide, very knowledgeable and entertaining. Bus was modern and comfy, and it was an easy walk on the trail and beach. Fantastic afternoon trip, highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Richardgh7646iq
Sep 16, 2025
Afternoon Piha beach and rainforest, sept 16 25 - Excellent tour. Guides extremely informative , accommodating and friendly. Recommend to all. Great way to spend the afternoon
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Philippe_f
Sep 16, 2025
Perfect for exploring the area around Auckland. - Perfect for exploring the area around Auckland. The tour with stops at the most interesting places is well organized. The guide and the driver are friendly, considerate and competent Everything is very well commented.This is an excursion to recommend
Review provided by Viator
Giada_c
Sep 13, 2025
Very fun and informative... - Very fun and informative experience with Mary. I enjoyed this afternoon and would recommend it to anyone who wants to explore West Auckland.
Review provided by Viator
Tiffany_w
Sep 12, 2025
Fantastic tour and sights - My tour guide/driver Ayla was fantastic. The van was comfortable and Ayla was a great driver. First we stopped at for delicious savory cakes at The Mill Bakehouse. Then we went to the Ki Arataki visitor center and learned fascinating facts on plants and history from Ayla. Then we drove to a scenic overlook of Piha Beach followed by a walk through the rain forest. Ayla was a great guide in the rain forest with so much knowledge to change. When we arrived at Piha Beach Ayla showed us a super cool magic trick. The walk on Piha beach was amazing but SOO windy. we then had hot chocolate adn delicious New Zealand biscuits before heading back to Auckland. A great trip! Afternoon tea- hot chocolate and cookies- was great Rainbow over Tasmanian sea beach Went "tramping" aka hiking Volcanic sand magnet magic trick Special biscuits Special honey Great group Awesome bakery stop Two minute tree stop
Review provided by Viator
Darthesculapio
Sep 6, 2025
Great tour for nature lovers - Great tour, the beach and bush were both very interesting, our tour guide anni was very knowledgeable and nice. The complimentary tea and cookies were very lovely too
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Simone_h
Sep 2, 2025
Great half day tour - Was a great tour. Erin knew her stuff and it was quite educational as well as seeing some amazing sites. The rainforest, Phia Beach and the other stops along the way are worth it. Not only was Erin great but the other guides Andy and Ian also were. Made for a great afternoon.
Review provided by Viator
4funat40
Aug 30, 2025
An excellent tour of the area - If you want to get out of the city for the afternoon, this is the perfect choice! Our guides were funny, personable, and knowledgable. Their passion for the natural world came through in their descriptions of the flora and fauna unique to the land. They even called on the rainbow gods who provided two rainbows for our viewing pleasure!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jay_b
Aug 25, 2025
So much information to take in. - Annie and Kerry delivered an awesome afternoon tour. Full of insight and education. I learnt a great deal about the native rainforest life the plants and species. The beach was amazing, low tide meant we could walk right out and explore some Instagram worthy views. A hot drink and an Anzac biscuit 🍪 rounded it off before the drive back. Great way to spend your afternoon.
Review provided by Viator
From $113
up to 9 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).