Private Piha Beach, Rainforest Adventure & Mt. Eden with Guide
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Auckland, New Zealand
- 5 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
If you’re hoping to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take in some nature, but don’t know where to start, join this private half-day guided tour. Walk through the black sands of Piha Beach, listen to the cascading waters of Kitekite Falls, learn about Maori heritage at the Arataki Visitor Centre, and much more.
- Private tour: Ask your guide as many questions as you like
- Learn facts about the region that most guidebooks miss
- Includes convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Auckland
- The Mercer Bay Loop is a great spot for photos of Auckland’s coastline
What's Included
- Private transportation
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We will pick you up from your respective hotel or preferred pick up location in CBD
Operating hours.11:00 am
Itinerary
1
Arataki Visitor Centre - Waitakere Ranges
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Mercer Bay Loop
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Piha Beach
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Kitekite Falls
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
5
Karekare Falls
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
6
Maungawhau / Mount Eden
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 30 reviews
Donna_R, May 2026
Clean beautiful van. Guide was so knowledgeable and fun. Got us to all the sights before the crowds. Highly recommend!
Cindy_W, Mar 2026
The views are incredible! Take the tour, you won’t regret it. Mercer Bay Loop and Kitekite Falls were my favorites but it was all amazing.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for such an amazing review!
We’re so glad you loved the experience—those views really are something special! Great picks too—Mercer Bay Loop and Kitekite Falls are absolute highlights, and it’s fantastic to hear they stood out for you.
Your “take the tour, you won’t regret it” says it all, and we truly appreciate that recommendation. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we’d love to show you even more of New Zealand next time!
Sharon_S, Mar 2026
Wonderful tour of Pihi beach and the Karekare waterfall and the rainforest. Our tour guide was wonderful, answering all our questions. Thank you so much!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
We’re thrilled you enjoyed the tour of Piha Beach, Karekare Waterfall, and the rainforest. It’s always our goal to make every stop memorable and to share interesting insights along the way, so we’re glad our guide could answer all your questions.
Your kind words mean a lot—thank you for choosing Hopincab, and we’d love to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
Charlie_L, Mar 2026
This half day excursion was excellent. We had relied upon previous reviews and they were accurate: Rahul was a pleasure from start to finish. He was accommodating and allowed us to adjust certain parts of the tour to our particular needs. Lots of interesting information. Amazing scenery. Absolutely stunning. We would not have been able to experience this part of Auckland in a half day without this. We highly recommend.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for this incredible review!
It truly means a lot that you chose us based on previous feedback—and even more that we lived up to it. I’m really glad you enjoyed the flexibility of the tour and that we could tailor parts of the experience to suit your needs—that’s exactly how we believe tours should be.
Auckland has some absolutely stunning hidden gems, and it’s always a pleasure sharing those stories, views, and local insights along the way. Knowing that you were able to experience so much in just half a day makes it even more special for us.
Your recommendation genuinely means a lot—thank you again for trusting Hopincab. We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure whenever you’re in New Zealand!
Scott_S, Mar 2026
We were looking for something to see some of Auckland and this fit the bill. This tour offered incredible views of Piha beach off the lookout points on the cliffs. Our tour guide AJ was very knowledgeable and patient and made sure we were having a good time. Overall this was a very good day hitting lots of highlights.
William_C, Mar 2026
The views and places visited on this tour are absolutely amazing, but the tour guide and company are average at best and did not seem very interested in providing a great experience.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the incredible scenery and locations visited during the Piha Beach & Rainforest Adventure. The dramatic coastline and lush rainforest of Auckland’s west coast are truly special, and we love introducing visitors to these beautiful places.
At the same time, we are sorry to read that the guiding experience did not meet your expectations. Providing a warm, welcoming, and engaging experience is extremely important to us, and our guides are carefully selected for their professionalism and passion for showcasing the region.
That said, after carefully reviewing our booking records for the past several months, we have unfortunately been unable to locate a reservation under the name associated with this review. Because our tours are small and personal, guests typically spend several hours with their guide and often mention the guide’s name or travel date in their feedback.
If you did travel with us, we would truly appreciate it if you could contact us directly with your booking name, date of travel, or guide’s name so we can properly look into this and address your concerns. We take all genuine feedback seriously and are always committed to improving our guests’ experiences.
Thank you again for your feedback, and we remain dedicated to delivering memorable and friendly experiences for every guest who joins us.
Carol_F, Mar 2026
Enjoyable sightseeing, yet expectations not met, esp for price paid. Driver was 35 min late to pickup, and although polite, he was very quiet and reserved. He often responded “ Don’t know” to questions asked. Very little info was shared about area. He drove very fast through narrow roads, somewhat recklessly. He took us to Karekare waterfalls instead of Kitekite, as advertised. He spoke on his headset to another person and scrolled on his phone while driving. Honestly, we feel we should get our money back or the trip discounted. Or maybe this trip should be advertised as a car service only.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We genuinely appreciate hearing from our guests, as it helps us continue improving our services.
Every traveler experiences a tour differently, and each guest has their own preferences when it comes to how they enjoy sightseeing. At Hopincab, we always aim to provide a pleasant and comfortable experience with friendly drivers who also share commentary about the locations visited. However, expectations regarding the level of interaction or commentary can vary from guest to guest.
Regarding the pickup time, we had informed you in advance about the short delay due to a necessary vehicle change that morning. Rather than canceling the tour, we made every effort to arrange an alternative vehicle so that your day could still go ahead as planned and you would not miss the experience.
With respect to the waterfall stop, we always consider our guests’ mobility, accessibility, and personal preferences during the tour. Some waterfalls require a longer hike, while others provide a shorter and easier walk with a clear view of the falls. Our drivers generally choose the option that allows guests to comfortably witness and enjoy the waterfall itself, especially for visitors who may prefer a shorter walk rather than a longer hike.
Regarding the driving conditions, the tour takes place in the Waitākere rainforest region, where the roads are naturally narrow and winding. Our drivers are experienced with these routes and drive them regularly, but the nature of rainforest and coastal roads can sometimes feel unfamiliar to visitors who are not used to them.
We truly value your feedback and will certainly review your comments internally as we continue striving to improve the experience for all our guests. Thank you again for choosing Hopincab, and we hope you were still able to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Auckland’s west coast.
Debra_W, Feb 2026
Rahul was a wonderful guide. Each stop was more impressive than the last and every place we went had stunning views. Do not miss this tour if you have the opportunity to go!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for this amazing review!
It was truly a pleasure guiding you through Piha and the West Coast. I’m so glad you enjoyed each stop and those stunning views — they really are something special.
Your recommendation means the world to us. Thank you for choosing HopinCab, and we’d love to welcome you back for another adventure in New Zealand!
Warm regards,
Rick_M, Feb 2026
Rahul was a great, high energy and very knowledgeable host! He kept us engaged all day, showed us tge small things we might have missed and made it a memorable day.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!
It was an absolute pleasure spending the day with you. I’m so glad you enjoyed the energy, local insights, and those little hidden details that make the experience extra special.
Creating memorable days is exactly what we aim for at HopinCab — thank you for being such fantastic guests, and I hope to see you again on your next New Zealand adventure!
Warm regards,
kati_k, Feb 2026
Raul was fantastic. Had water and a yummy espresso milk ready for us. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and fun! My Apple Watch said I completed over five miles and 63 flights of stairs. All manageable. Waterfall and black sand beach were amazing as was the view atop Mt Eden! Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Wow — this absolutely made our day! 🌿☕🖤
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a lovely review. We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed your Piha & Rainforest Adventure and that Raul helped make it such a memorable experience. The espresso milk definitely earns its place on the tour 😄
Five miles and 63 flights of stairs — that’s impressive! 💪 We’re really glad you found the walk manageable and rewarding. The waterfalls, Piha’s black sand beach, and those sweeping views from Mt Eden truly are special, and it means a lot to us that they lived up to the hype for you.
Thank you for highlighting the balance of adventure, comfort, and fun — that’s exactly what we aim for on every tour. We truly appreciate the recommendation and would love to welcome you back anytime for another New Zealand adventure.
Max_B, Feb 2026
Raul was a great tour guide! It was a rainy day so we had to make some adjustments but definitely worthwhile regardless. Loved the beach and the views from Mount Eden, and the personal service from Raul made it a perfect day.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for this wonderful feedback — we really appreciate it! 🌧️🌿
We’re so glad to hear you still had a fantastic day despite the rain. One of the things we pride ourselves on at HOPinCAB Piha & Rainforest Adventures is flexibility, and it’s great to know that the adjustments worked well and the experience remained worthwhile.
Piha Beach and the views from Mount Eden are special in any weather, and we’re especially happy that Raul’s personal service helped turn the day into a perfect one for you. That genuine, one-on-one care is exactly what we aim to deliver on every tour.
Thank you again for choosing us and for sharing your experience — we’d love to host you again on your next visit to New Zealand!
Read_M, Jan 2026
I would give this tour 6 stars if I could. Dolly was a fantastic host. These trails are moderately challenging so you do need to be prepared. The Mercer Bay Loop is stunning…great views of the Tasman Sea and the coastline. There is a steep return so be prepared. Kitekite Falls is almost as beautiful with a wonderful trail through the forrest to the waterfall. Ending at Mt. Eden gives you the panoramic view of Auckland. If you have a free day in Auckland and love being outdoors, this experience is for you.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for this wonderful review — it truly means a lot to us!
We’re absolutely delighted to hear you had such an amazing experience, and we’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to Dolly. She genuinely loves hosting our guests and sharing the best of Auckland’s outdoors, so your feedback will make her day.
You’ve described the experience perfectly — from the breathtaking Mercer Bay Loop and its dramatic Tasman Sea views, to the lush rainforest walk leading to Kitekite Falls, and finishing with the iconic panoramic views from Mt Eden. We really appreciate you highlighting the moderate challenge of the trails as well; safety, preparation, and setting the right expectations are very important to us.
At HopinCab, we pride ourselves on offering personalised, small-group and private experiences that combine nature, local insight, and genuine Kiwi hospitality. We’re so pleased this adventure delivered exactly that for you.
Thank you again for choosing us, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime you’re in New Zealand
Sam_B, Jan 2026
Once in a lifetime opportunity to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, including breathtaking mountain views, stunning waterfalls, gorgeous hikes and a rare black sand beach. Our guide, Ajyu, was perfect. It was raining when our trip was scheduled . He kept in touch with us all morning to choose a time later in the day. When he picked us up, the weather cleared and our adventure took place in beautiful sunshine. He tailored our activities to totally suit our wishes. When the 5 hour tour was over he even offered to drive us to our restaurant for dinner. I would highly recommend this tour for an unforgettable experience.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful and heartfelt review!
We’re truly delighted to hear that your experience turned into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Auckland’s landscapes really do shine when the timing is right, and we’re so pleased that the weather cleared perfectly for you — sometimes patience really pays off 😊
Your kind words about Ajyu mean a great deal to us. Staying in touch, adjusting the start time around the weather, and tailoring the day to suit your wishes is exactly the level of personalised service we aim to deliver on every private tour. Going the extra mile — even offering a drop-off at your dinner spot — is simply part of our commitment to making your day seamless and memorable.
Thank you for trusting HopinCab with such a special experience and for your strong recommendation. We’d be honoured to welcome you back again for another unforgettable New Zealand adventure
helen_d, Jan 2026
This is a great tour to see a lot of the natural beauty just outside of Auckland. Be prepared for lots of walking and climbing but the views are stunning - especially on the Mercer Loop and in the rain forest. Ice cream stop at Piha Beach is a must also. Rahul is a very friendly and informative tour guide.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! 😊
We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring the stunning natural beauty around Auckland, from the Mercer Bay Loop to the rainforest walks. You’re absolutely right — there is a bit of walking involved, but the views truly make it worthwhile, and the Piha Beach ice cream stop is always a favourite 🍦🌊.
It was a pleasure hosting you, and I’m glad you found the tour informative and enjoyable. Thank you for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you again on another New Zealand adventure in the future!
Maria_Y, Jan 2026
"An absolutely unforgettable day exploring the natural beauty of Auckland! Our tour took us through the lush, serene rainforests, where the air was so fresh and the scenery felt like something out of a movie.
The highlight for me was Piha Beach—the black sand and rugged coastline are breathtaking, and seeing Lion Rock in person is a must. We finished the day at Mt. Eden, which offered the most spectacular panoramic views of the entire city and harbor. Our guide Rahul was knowledgeable and made the whole experience seamless. If you only have one day in Auckland, this is the tour to do!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for the fantastic review! 🌿🌊
We’re so glad you loved the rainforest, Piha Beach, and the incredible views from Mt Eden—it really is the perfect one-day snapshot of Auckland. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation!
Eniki_M, Jan 2026
Very nice tour! Rahul picked us up at our hotel in a clean, spacious van. He drove us to places with spectacular views and wonderful culture. There are a lot of hills, some pretty steep, and I am not in the best shape but Rahul was patient and made sure I did not get left behind. He was also flexible to tailor the tour to our liking. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for this lovely review! 🌟
We’re really glad to hear you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the comfort of the vehicle as well as the spectacular views and cultural highlights along the way.
Your kind words about patience and flexibility truly mean a lot. We always aim to tailor each tour to our guests’ comfort and pace, ensuring everyone feels relaxed and included, regardless of fitness level.
Thank you for your strong recommendation—it was a pleasure hosting you, and we’d be delighted to welcome you again on another tour in the future!
Michelle_M, Jan 2026
This Private Piha Beach, Rainforest Adventure & Mt. Eden tour was absolutely unforgettable! From start to finish, it was a perfectly curated experience that showcased the natural beauty of New Zealand. Piha Beach was stunning, the rainforest walk was immersive and peaceful, and the views were breathtaking.
What truly made this adventure exceptional was our phenomenal guide, Dolly. She was knowledgeable, warm, and genuinely passionate about sharing the history, culture, and hidden gems of the area. Dolly made us feel comfortable, never rushed, and tailored the experience to our interests, which made it feel truly special.
If you’re looking for a private, scenic, and enriching adventure with an amazing guide, I cannot recommend this tour—and Dolly—highly enough. An absolute highlight of our trip!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for such a fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that your Private Piha Beach, Rainforest Adventure & Mt. Eden tour was an unforgettable highlight of your trip.
It’s wonderful to know you enjoyed Piha Beach, the rainforest walk, and the stunning views — and especially that Dolly made the experience so special. Her passion, knowledge, and warm approach truly set her apart, and your kind words mean a lot to our team.
Thank you for the strong recommendation.
Maryann_H, Jan 2026
Rahul was an EXCELLENT tour guide and covered all the sites as the great write for the tour description. It was a great tour and highly recommend it and Rahul.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear that you had a great tour and that all the highlights were covered as described.
Rahul truly enjoys sharing these experiences, and it’s great to know his guiding made the tour memorable for you. We really appreciate the recommendation
CLIFF_E, Jan 2026
Great tour and experience. And even greater tour guide, Dolly. Was great to have tour guide on a day when all the stops were busy.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! 🌿✨
We’re truly delighted to hear that you had a great tour and an even greater experience.
Dolly will be absolutely thrilled to know her efforts made your day special. Guiding guests smoothly on a busy day—while still keeping the experience relaxed and enjoyable—is something she does with great care and professionalism.
Thank you for choosing us for your tour. We’d love to welcome you back again for another memorable adventure in New Zealand!
Marsha_G, Jan 2026
Super time. We were able to see so many highlights of Auckland. The waterfalls and volcano basin were terrific and a fun hike. The star was the beach. Lovely and the waves were great. Our guide was so kind and courteous. A true value.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience! 🌿🌊
We’re delighted to hear you had such a great time exploring Auckland’s highlights with us.
From the waterfalls and volcanic basin to the fun hike and, of course, the stunning beach — it’s lovely to know each stop made a lasting impression. The beaches around Auckland truly are something special, and we’re glad they became the star of your day!
Your kind words about our guide mean a lot to us. Providing a courteous, caring, and memorable experience is exactly what we strive for, and we’re so pleased you felt it was great value as well.
We’d love to welcome you back again for another adventure — there’s always more to discover!
megmar27, Nov 2025
Very personable and helpful guide. Special attention given to each of us. Would highly recommend. Great
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed your Piha tour and that our guide made the experience personal and attentive for everyone. Your recommendation means a lot to us.
Kirk_S, Nov 2025
Lovely way to see a good number of beautiful sites in Auckland. The beach and waterfall were the top spots
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! We're really glad to hear you enjoyed seeing some of Auckland’s best highlights with us. Piha Beach and the waterfall are definitely favourites, and we’re happy they stood out as top spots for you too.
It was a pleasure having you on the tour, and we hope to welcome you back again to explore even more of Auckland’s beautiful locations
Elizabeth_C, Nov 2025
Absolutely fantastic! Best of in one day is right. Hikes with great views. Beach. Waterfall. Gorgeous views from three different unique spots. Our guide, Rahul, was absolutely awesome. Friendly and knowledgable.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your amazing feedback! We’re thrilled to hear you loved the Piha Tour and enjoyed the stunning views, waterfalls, and beaches all in one day. It’s wonderful to know Rahul made your experience even more special with his friendly and knowledgeable guiding. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to see you again for another New Zealand adventure!
jody_M, Sep 2025
Rahul was our guide and he was amazing! We had an awesome day seeing so many amazing views! Rahul was so knowledgable and an awesome guide!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you had an amazing day exploring Piha with us. It’s one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking spots, and I’m glad I could share the best views and stories with you. We love creating memorable experiences for our guests, and your feedback means the world. Hope to see you again for another adventure
monica_a, Aug 2025
Amazing day! Rahul is such a great guide and really takes care of you and also takes amazing photos for you!
Highly recommend this tour anyone really wanting to experience some nature just outside the city.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful words! We’re delighted to hear you had an amazing day exploring with Hopincab. Rahul always loves making sure every guest feels cared for and goes home with not only great memories, but also photos to relive the experience.
It means a lot that you would recommend us to others who want to discover the natural beauty just outside the city. We look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure soon! 🌿📸
Gustavo_Y, Dec 2025
Unfortunately I booked a lot of activity in Spanish, and they sent a guide in English. The guide is a self-employed person, so faced with a problem there is no one to claim. Although the tour transfers us to the contracted sites, the failure to do so in the contracted language, makes it impossible to interact sought on a private tour.
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Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback.
We would like to respectfully clarify that before the tour began, the guide informed you about the language situation and clearly offered the option not to proceed with the tour if it did not meet your expectations. After this explanation, you confirmed that you were happy to continue, and the tour then operated as planned, visiting all contracted locations.
We understand that language preference is an important part of a private tour experience, and we regret that this aspect did not fully align with your expectations. While our guides operate as independent professionals, we take responsibility for the overall service and appreciate feedback that helps us improve clarity and communication moving forward.
Thank you again for your review and for taking the tour with us.
From $269.00
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Private Piha Beach, Rainforest Adventure & Mt. Eden with Guide
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