Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
Recommended by 99% of travellers
Badge of Excellence
Auckland, New Zealand
- 5 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Explore the Waitakere Ranges and Auckland’s rugged west coast, including Piha Beach, during an afternoon tour with a guide knowledgeable about New Zealand flora and fauna. From the Arataki Centre, admire sweeping views of the ocean and distant city. Learn about Māori history, stroll on the black-sand beach, and take a nature walk through a lush rainforest while you experience one of Auckland's largest regional parks.
- The afternoon tour leaves time in your schedule for other activities
- Spend time at the Arataki Center, gateway to the Waitakere Ranges
- Hotel pickup and drop off from centrally located Auckland hotels
- Explore beyond Auckland city without the risk of getting lost
What's Included
- Inner city Auckland hotel pick up and drop off
- Guided rainforest walk
- Visit a black sand beach
- Coffee and/or TeaEnjoy afternoon tea refreshments - tea, coffee, juice and cookies
- Enjoy stunning coastal views
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Gratuities
- Food
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.12:30
Itinerary
After pickup from your centrally located hotel, depart Auckland on the drive west to the Arataki Centre—the gateway to the breathtaking Waitakere Ranges. Snap photos of traditional Māori carvings that stand sentinel as you soak up breathtaking views, from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean.
Learn about the region’s history from your guide during your visit to one of Auckland's largest regional parks, followed by a drive to the wild coastline of the west coast. Here, walk along the shores of Piha Beach and marvel at the black sand beneath your feet.
Continue to experience the awe-inspiring power of New Zealand’s nature with a short trip to a lush rainforest setting. Enjoy an easy bushwalk along a path through giant tree ferns as you listen for the calls of local birds. Your expert guide identifies native flora and fauna before returning you to Auckland with a drop-off at your hotel.
Learn about the region’s history from your guide during your visit to one of Auckland's largest regional parks, followed by a drive to the wild coastline of the west coast. Here, walk along the shores of Piha Beach and marvel at the black sand beneath your feet.
Continue to experience the awe-inspiring power of New Zealand’s nature with a short trip to a lush rainforest setting. Enjoy an easy bushwalk along a path through giant tree ferns as you listen for the calls of local birds. Your expert guide identifies native flora and fauna before returning you to Auckland with a drop-off at your hotel.
1
Arataki Visitor Centre - Waitakere Ranges
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Waitakere Ranges
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Piha Beach
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Bush and Beach (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travellers can participate
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately with comfortable walking shoes
- The tour is suitable for all ages and abilities
- Although lunch is not included, the tour does stop at a local bakery if you wished to purchase some.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travellers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveller Photos
Featured review
Sharyl_N
Excellent half day trip from Auckland to the west side of island. Fantastic stops, views, walk thru forest and visit to Piha Beach. Even tea service at beach! Our guide and driver Warren was a delight. Full of kiwi info and guiding thru our visit. Nice coach, comfortable and safe. It was great to leave the city for a bit, highly recommended.
Reviews
4.9
based on 892 reviews
Helen_B, May 2026
It is a great trip with a friendly and knowledgeable guide in a comfortable Mercedes mini bus called Bush and Beach.
Robert_S, May 2026
It gives you a great overview of New Zealand including a little bit about the Maori and early settlers and their fervor for environmental preservation. Bush and Beach does not skimp on the experience with new, nice buses and both a driver and guide who were both native New Zealanders. The driver was even an environmental science teacher who helped with the rain forest walk.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your comments, these are much appreciated we are thrilled you enjoyed the experience :) !
cblair511, May 2026
Ayla our tour guide is one of the most knowledgeable guides I have encountered. Great tour, I enjoyed the commentary, outdoors and beautiful scenery.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your lovely comments, they are very much appreciated :) !
Sherokee_R, May 2026
The most beautiful beach! We did this tour our first day and such a good way to see around immediately. Our guides were Kevin and Annie and they were so nice and gave lots of time to explore.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your comments, we are so pleased you enjoyed the experience! :)
Lisa_G, Apr 2026
Everything about this tour was amazing. Our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. The rainforest is beautiful and the black sand beach was peaceful and amazing.
Response from Host, May 2026
We really appreciate receiving your feedback, thank you! We are so pleased you enjoyed the experience ! :)
Casey_R, Apr 2026
Kevin was the most amazing tour guide I've ever had. He gave a true local perspective that made our tour unforgettable. Thank you Kevin!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for posting a review, we will pass this feedback to Kevin. We are so pleased you enjoyed the tour!
Dhananjay_D, Apr 2026
Excellent guide! Beach was the highlight but bush trail was close second. Our daughter also enjoyed a lot.
Response from Host, May 2026
We are so pleased you enjoyed your tour, thank you for the review.
John_C, Apr 2026
Unique black sands beach. Knowledgeable guides. Walks in rainforest and on beach. Small group. Great scenic stops. Included Māori perspective and history in commentary.
Response from Host, May 2026
We appreciated you taking the time to post a review - thank you!
Jeaneen_H, Apr 2026
The whole tour was amazing and wonderful. Our guide Kevin was outstanding and the sites we got to see an experience were wonderful. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, May 2026
We are so pleased you enjoyed your tour to West Auckland visting Piha Beach and the Rainforest - thank you for your lovely comments about your Tour Guide - Kevin :).
Margaret_M, Apr 2026
Get out of the city proper and see the beautiful scenery. Piha beach and Rainforest are not to be missed. Annie did a super job with her knowledge of fauna and the area. Very enjoyable.
Response from Host, May 2026
We are so pleased you took the opportunity to experience a part of the Wild West of Auckland! Thank you for your lovely comments!
Gabe_L, Apr 2026
One gets see and experience nature and beach environments and learn a bit about the local and native flora.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your comments and feedback.
Corey_T, Apr 2026
Great little half day excursion from Auckland. Pick up was just after noon and was on time. We were with Mark and Andy. Mark was guiding and had SO much knowledge. I was honestly shocked that he knew so much about everything. New Zealand, plants, birds, the beach, you name it, he knew it. Great pair of gentlemen. We did the rainforest walk where Mark pointed out literally everything, and then went to Piha beach which is just jaw droppingly beautiful. Black sand with dramatic formations, can't be beat. What a great way to spend an afternoon.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback and comments, we are so pleased you enjoyed the west coast of Auckland scenery and commentary from the Tour Guide.
Lisa_K, Apr 2026
Awesome day. We had a great guide with a wealth of New Zealand knowledge. Black sand beaches were stunning.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for posting a review, much appreciated!
Bruce_B, Apr 2026
A great chance to experience the areas outside of the central business district, which make up the awesome beauty, uniqueness of Auckland and the north Island.
The Guide and Driver both knew their stuff and we’re willing to share it personally. It seemed like they truly cared and knew each of us in the bus for the day.
A very well planned, and thought out to her, which I highly recommend!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your review, we very much appreciate your comments!
Patricia_T, Mar 2026
You can't miss out on the spectacular ambiance of the Bush and Beach. Step away from the city into a wonderland of natural beauty. Kevin and Mark were amazing guides. You might be in for a few surprises!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for taking the time to send a review, great to hear you enjoyed your trip to the beach and rainforest in Auckland
Rebecca_H, Mar 2026
Leon was amazing! He shared his local knowledge of the area and life experiences as he grew up in Piha. The rainforest was nice as well got to see the trees & plants from this region and learn their cool tribal names. The black sand in Piha had this magical sparkle. Wish we had a bit more time at the beach but overall is was the perfect afternoon tour. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, May 2026
We are so pleased you enjoyed your trip out to the west coast beach - Piha and rainforest. Thanks for the feedback and comments.
Gregory_P, Mar 2026
We had a great time walking the rainforest and seeing the views. It was a beautiful day and light walk throughout- and learning about the natural plants in the area from Alex, our guide. We also had a great visit to Piha Beach. Our guide was energetic, welcoming and amazing! Great experience for an afternoon!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for taking the time to post a review of your tour to the west coast of Auckland, much appreciated.
Danielle_L, Mar 2026
Kevin and Warren are excellent guides! We enjoyed our time at Piha.
There was Bush and there was Beach indeed ;)
Response from Host, May 2026
Thanks for your comments on our Wilderness Experience Tour ! :) Much appreciated!
MontanaCole, Mar 2026
Cool experience and they bring you to some beautiful places. The guide was knowledgeable. They split the groups in to those who want to hike and those who would rather have it easy. This worked out well.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for posting a review, we are delighted you enjoyed the trip to the west coast of Auckland.
Cindy_D, Mar 2026
Exceeded my expectations. The experience was amazing. We were picked up in the city center and quickly started the tour. Made a quick stop to pick up food/drink for the long afternoon tour. Alex and Kevin were our guides for the day. They were great. Great pace and just the right amount of information. Piha black sand beach is a must see.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your review and comments made about your trip to Piha Beach and the Rainforest.
Jan_P, Mar 2026
Great tour and guides! Beautiful nature walk and black sand beach! Really enjoyed the tea and snacks after our beach walk. Very nice tour!!
Dawn_O, Mar 2026
Excellent experience. Beautiful and fun. Guides were knowledgeable and engaging. Met everyone’s needs.
Rebekah_C, Mar 2026
This a was a great experience. I wish they would have taken us to the falls…it was only a bit further but it wasn’t part of the journey. Bring flip flops in addition to regular shoes (for the beach)…bring sunblock and water.
Kristen_T, Mar 2026
This excursion was well done with plenty of knowledge from the guides. Pack water and wear walking shoes.
Aravind_M, Mar 2026
Steve and Anne are very good guide with lots of details around the places we visited.
Time was perfect with lots of Sun 🌞
Linda_R, Mar 2026
The tour was professionally done by friendly and caring staff however the itinerary was ambitious for a half day tour. In reality, it took about five hours with driving time. For those with limited time in Auckland like us, it provided an opportunity to see some of the outlying areas. The guides were knowledgeable and provided a great deal of information about the local flora and fauna. The bush walk was worthwhile but time at the beach was limited. The constant commentary during the drive was a bit tiresome for me but likely others enjoyed it more.
Denise_R, Mar 2026
This review is way overdue! We only had one full day in Auckland and wanted to make the most of it and this tour did not disappoint. The places visited and scenery observed were breathtakingly spectacular! The highlight though were our guides whose knowledge of not only New Zealand history but also the flora and fauna were unmatched. So much is packed into this tour. You will not regret the purchase.
Michael_P, Mar 2026
Mark our guide was knowledgeable and did a great job explaining the black sand at Piha beach, illustrating the magnetic properties of the deposits in the sand. The tea and biscuits were a nice touch. We had an enjoyable time.
Laura_K, Mar 2026
Outstanding! You see a unique, beautiful part of New Zealand and learn why it’s unlike any other place in the world. The guide and drivers do a fantastic job! I’m so happy I got to see the northern part of the North island!
Sharyl_N, Mar 2026
Excellent half day trip from Auckland to the west side of island. Fantastic stops, views, walk thru forest and visit to Piha Beach. Even tea service at beach! Our guide and driver Warren was a delight. Full of kiwi info and guiding thru our visit. Nice coach, comfortable and safe. It was great to leave the city for a bit, highly recommended.
From US$121.70
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Afternoon Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland
892
5 hours
Free Cancellation
From
US$121.70
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Auckland, New Zealand
- Hauraki Gulf Islands Tours & Tickets
- Waitomo Caves Tours & Tickets
- Tiritiri Matangi Island Tours & Tickets
- Albert Park Tours & Tickets
- Arataki Visitor Centre Tours & Tickets
- Auckland Ferry Terminal Tours & Tickets
- Mt. Victoria Reserve (Takarunga) Tours & Tickets
- Viaduct Harbour Tours & Tickets
- Ponsonby Tours & Tickets
- Rotoroa Island Tours & Tickets
- Takapuna Tours & Tickets
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Tours & Tickets
- Rangitoto Island Tours & Tickets
- Stonyridge Vineyard Tours & Tickets
- Auckland Sky Tower Tours & Tickets