Auckland: Private Muriwai Gannets Experience
Waitakere Ranges, Auckland
Deal
Official tickets via GetYourGuide
Depart from Auckland on a private journey to Muriwai’s wild west coast. Visit one of New Zealand’s few mainland gannet breeding sites, explore black-sand beaches, and enjoy dramatic coastal views.
Highlights
- See a wild gannet colony from coastal viewing platforms
- Walk along New Zealand’s dramatic black-sand coast
- Watch gannets nesting, feeding and soaring overhead
- Discover the rugged beauty of Auckland’s West Coast
- Explore the West Coast landscape with a local guide
Description
Leave Auckland behind on a private, guided journey to the rugged West Coast, designed around viewing one of New Zealand’s most remarkable wildlife sites. This half-day experience centres on Muriwai, home to one of the country’s few mainland gannet breeding areas and a dramatic stretch of coastline shaped by the Tasman Sea. At Muriwai, your guide leads a short walk to designated viewing platforms overlooking the gannet nesting site. From here, take time to watch the colony in action while learning how and why gannets return each season, how they nest, and what makes this mainland site so significant. At Arataki Visitor Centre, your guide brings the wider West Coast landscape to life, from the ancient rainforest and rugged coastline to the forces that have shaped this unique environment. This is a fully guided, private wildlife viewing experience, unhurried to allow time for observation, photography, and conversation. The itinerary may adapt slightly depending on conditions, leaving plenty of time to take in the wildlife, landscape, and wild character of Muriwai.Includes
Private guided wildlife viewing experience - approximately 4 hours Experienced local guide Private Mercedes-Benz V-Class vehicle Flexible itinerary tailored to conditions and guest interests Gannet colony viewing Entry to Arataki Visitor Centre Complimentary bottled waterExcludes
Food and drinks (unless otherwise specified) Pickup or drop-off outside central Auckland Personal expenses Gratuities (optional)Important Information
- Please let us know if you are travelling with children under 7 years of age so we can provide a suitable safety seat. We will need the age, height and weight of each child under 7. Auckland weather can change quickly. If severe weather requires the tour to be cancelled or significantly modified and you choose not to continue with the revised itinerary, you will receive a full refund.
