West Auckland Countryside
Explore the spectacular west countryside of Auckland with this day tour of Arataki Visitor Centre, the historic wine region of Kumeu and Muriwai Beach with its lovable Gannet colony.
This amazing full-day tour will introduce you to new experiences, giving you hours of exploration through the West Auckland countryside. The West Coast is home to some extremely beautiful beaches, national parks, and wineries. Leave the Pacific Ocean behind as you enjoy a scenic ride through the Auckland suburbs to the rugged western portion of Auckland and the Arataki Visitor Centre in the beautiful Waitakere Ranges. The height of these volcano remnants creates a perpetual micro rainforest environment near the heart of the city. Inhale the crisp air of Arataki Bush and Nature Preserve while you survey Auckland's stunning landscape and twin harbors. While here, pop into the Visitor Centre to see a myriad of interesting displays and learn about the diverse ecosystem. Once you've had your fill, you'll continue westward to Muriwai Beach as your guide shares fascinating facts and stories along the way. From the Arataki Visitor Centre, there will be a stop for lunch at a local cafe (not included), where you can purchase your own meals. Approach the west coast and be greeted by an impressive view of the Tasman Sea with its occasional surfers or paragliders. You will take a leisurely walk to the viewing decks to see the migratory Gannets (only between September and March) that nest along the shoreline. These unique seabirds can live up to 35 years old and enter the water at speeds of 100km (62 mph) to accurately catch their prey. Be sure to take a walk along the shoreline full of black iron sand and wave hello to Australia before seeing another side of Auckland as you head back to port. Sign up today and spend 7 hours experiencing the wild, wonderful western Auckland countryside.
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Operated by
- Shore Excursions Group
- This tour departs from your hotel lobby (hotel must be an inner city hotel only) or the ship pier. Please enter the name of your hotel at the time of booking if you require hotel pick up services.
- We recommend wearing comfortable, weather appropriate clothing and sturdy, enclosed footwear such as walking shoes, sneakers, etc.
- Guests must be able to get in and out of transportation. This tour can accommodate a collapsible wheelchair. According to New Zealand laws, children under 8 must be correctly secured in an approved child restraint, such as a baby seat or a booster seat. Children must be older than 7 and over 128 centimeters (about 4 feet) tall to ride without a booster seat. Children 8 years or older must use safety belts. No children of any age may travel in a parent's lap.
Excursion purchases are fully refundable outside of 14 days prior to the tour date. Beginning on the 14th day prior to the tour date, excursion purchases are non-refundable.