West Coast Wilderness Experience

Auckland’s Wild West is renowned for its rugged beauty; this is where the Tasman Sea's mighty surf crashes onto vast black-sand beaches. Embark on a journey into a region of natural wonders, walk through untouched native rainforest, and experience the rugged beauty of the Wild West coast beaches.

Enjoy a fully guided day tour to Auckland’s wild, black sand beaches and lush rainforest. Spend the day walking and relaxing in New Zealand's Wild West coast while hearing the stories of our region. This scenic drive takes you past bush scenery, to observation points for spectacular views and to gorgeous beaches.

In just 30 minutes you leave behind the bustle of the city and step into the tranquillity of the rain forest. The hills of the Waitakere’s are actually remnants of ancient volcanoes. Many New Zealand native trees and plants grow here, and driving along the road you are often passing through thick forest. The rain forest is a favourite place for day-trippers and hikers as there are numerous bush walks there.

Travel to the Arataki visitor centre, an information centre built high on the ridge of the Waitakere Ranges. From here you get breath-taking panoramic views across the rain forest to Auckland’s two harbours. This visitor’s centre is also home to some traditional Māori carvings and your guide will talk about them and explain their significance for the area.

There are excellent pathways for you to walk around the Arataki centre which gets you close to plants. The Waitakere Ranges is also where one of Auckland’s major water supplies is located and is a perfect start to exploring the west coast. Continue on to the lush rain forest where you walk the easy tracks among giant tree ferns and view New Zealand’s famous kauri trees and silver ferns.

We stop at a stunning viewpoint overlooking Piha beach and the Tasman Sea before going down to the black sand beach. Marvel at the Lion Rock, Piha’s most iconic landmark, and see the Māori carving. Lion Rock stands watching over the waves, sitting majestically between Piha and Little Piha Beaches. Tucked away on the wild and rugged west coast, you’ll find the Kitekite Falls Track.  Beautiful patch of Stunning native bush, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, pools to swim in and eels to feed; the Kitekite Falls Track has it all. This spectacular 40-meters multi-steps waterfall is reached after a easy 30 minutes’ walk from the main beach - a great spot for photos! 

Feel the black sand beneath your feet as you stroll along Piha beach - one of the most awe-inspiring beaches the world has to offer and watch the surf waves rolling in. Piha is popular with experienced surfers, but it’s also a wonderful spot for picnics, relaxing walks, and swims – under the watchful eye of the famous Piha Surf Club.  There’s a sense of muscularity about the Tasman Sea’s attention to the rocky coastline, and an intimacy created by the dense rainforest that crowds the dunes. The west is wild and have a remote, untamed beauty that's good for the soul. Although you’ll feel a world away, many of the beautiful beaches are less than an hour from the city centre, making them ideal day trip destinations.