Auckland · PIHA & WEST COAST BEACH TOURS
20 tours
Forty minutes west of the city the road drops through kauri forest onto black iron sand, with Lion Rock planted in the middle of it and a gannet colony nesting at Muriwai. Below are the 15 best west coast trips, with the rainforest walks, surf lessons and wine stops separated so you can see what each afternoon really holds.
Half-day Auckland escape to Waitakere Ranges rainforest, plus a Piha black-sand beach walk, ocean views, and manuka honey tea.
“We had two main stops on this excursion, both which were very worthwhile. Both Chris and Mark did an excellent job telling us about the rainforest, Mairi culture, and the black sand beach at Piha. They also provided refreshments half way though the tour.”
A small-group half-day from Auckland to black-sand Piha and rainforest in the Waitakere Ranges, with birdsong, kauri trees, and tea.
“Erin was a fantastic guide. She knew so much about the forest and the nature generally it was fascinating to listen to her. She also gave us a lot of info about the history of New Zealand. The tour gave us the opportunity to see stunning views.”
Piha black-sand coast, Waitakere rainforest, and two West Auckland wineries. Small-group day trip with lunch and wine tastings.
“This experience was amazing. The knowledge John has both of New Zealand and of wine made this trip worth every penny. I highly recommend this tour.”
Auckland city highlights plus Piha black-sand beach and a Waitakere rainforest walk, with hotel pickup and afternoon tea included.
“We had Max in the morning who was very knowledgeable and engaging. In the afternoon we had Ayla and Michelle who were caring and watchful. Had a great day with them. Will highly recommend.”
Learn to surf at Te Arai Beach with a small-group 2-hour lesson, gear provided, optional pickup, and ocean safety skills.
“We booked four days of private lessons with Maya and couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. She handled different levels with ease — from beginner to intermediate — and was wonderful with our 7-year-old daughter who was just starting. Thanks to her great advice and sharp eye, we all got up and caught waves. Big thanks to Maya!”
Half-day Muriwai black-sand coast and gannets plus two West Auckland cellar-door tastings from SkyCity, small group, 4 hours.
“Wine tasting talks were very informative and the wine was good too! Murawai coastline worth seeing even on a rainy day”
Small-group Auckland wineries plus Muriwai black-sand beach, with tastings, lunch and hotel pickup. Honey included.
“This experience was top-notch. The operator who took us around the vineyards was very knowledgeable and made it interesting. I still give him a five star review, even though his phone went black and had to deal with that situation all day.”
Auckland to Piha and the Waitakere Ranges in a small group, with pickup, Arataki rainforest views, lunch, and snacks included.
“Far better than I expected. Sophie was an excellent tour guide giving us a light hearted commentary but at the same time very informative. She made sure everyone on the coach was comfortable with snacks and water. We were promised a picnic lunch but we got a delicious hot meal from a good café instead. She also made many photo stops. Highly recommend this tour.”
Private Auckland day tour with hotel pickup, Westhaven Marina, Mount Eden views, Mission Bay lunch break, and Piha black-sand beach walks.
“We had spent the previous day on the half day tour so we knew there would be some overlap with this. However once we were on the right track with Kenneth he fine tuned what we went to see and do to make the afternoon a fun experience!!”
Half-day from Auckland to Piha’s black-sand beach, Karekare Falls, and Arataki Visitor Centre, with pickup, tickets, and scenic drives.
“It was a wonderful tour with Adil. He tailored the tour to suit us - taking us not only to the sites referred to in the itinerary, but also to other locations that he thought we would like and were a little off the usual “touristy” venues. He also gave us a very informative and interesting commentary along the way. We thoroughly recommend this tour!”
Piha black-sand surf, Karekare Falls, Arataki views, and Waitakere Ranges by Mercedes van from Auckland in 6 hours.
“Great info from our guide. He was very personable and answered all of our questions. We loved the waterfall and Piha beach.”
Learn to surf on Auckland’s west coast at Muriwai Beach in a 2-hour small group lesson with provided gear, coaching, and safety focus.
“Jacob was amazing and really helped me as someone who has never surf in my life. He explained very well & gave great assistance. I had an amazing time.”
An 8-hour Auckland luxury tour mixing ocean viewpoints, volcano country, Devonport charm, and ancient rainforest, with lunch and hotel pickup.
“Very knowledgeable guide and great lesson on the Māori culture. We really appreciated the insider perspective on New Zealand.”
Private 5-hour Auckland day trip to Piha black-sand beach, Waitakere rainforest waterfalls, Mercer Bay cliff walks, and Mt Eden views.
“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 retuRead more”
Small-group West Auckland tour to black-sand Piha Beach and Kitekite Falls, with pickup and admission included for a half-day nature hit.
“It was unclear what we were paying for. There was no guided tours at the 3 locations we visited. We essentially paid for a driver who was very helpful and filled in as well as he could. Be sure of your expectations before you book this tour. Our expectations were not met.”
