West Coast Discovery Tour

Discover the west coast of Auckland City and it’s magical black sand beaches and surfs.

West Coast Discovery Black sand beaches, rugged beauty & pounding surf!

Piha is New Zealand’s most famous surf beach situated on the west coast of the North Island. This black iron-sand beach has a reputation for awesome surfs that roll in over the Tasman Sea. See this and more on our West Coast Discovery!

Tour starts with picking you up from Auckland city; then you’ll enjoy a 30-minute scenic drive through the Waitakere Ranges. The first stop is the Arataki Visitor Centre where you will learn all about New Zealand’s Native trees and look out to the panoramic views of the Waitakere Ranges – the perfect start to exploring the west coast. We then take a 20-minute drive to Karekare waterfalls. 

Once we arrive at Karekare waterfalls, you enjoy a 5-minute easy stroll to the waterfall- a great spot for photos! We then head to the famous Piha Surf Beach where you can go for a swim or just relax and enjoy the stunning views.

You can also view the Lion Rock (situated in the middle of the beach) for stunning views and an amazing photo opportunity.

After that, we head back to Auckland .

Tour Highlights

  • Pick up From Auckland CBD
  • Piha Beach & Lion Rock
  • Karekare Waterfall
  • Arataki Maori Visitor Centre
  •  Panoramic views of the Waitakere Ranges
  • Drop Off in Auckland CBD

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer complimentary pick ups and drop offs from any Auckland Central Accommodation.

Absolutely – our guides know all the hidden gems. We pause frequently at spectacular, off-the-beaten-track locations for photos, so you can capture New Zealand’s beauty from unique vantage points.

Yes – our tours are fully guided. We don’t just drive you from A to B. Along the way, our experienced guides share rich stories about Aotearoa’s history, natural wonders, Māori culture, and wildlife. We want you to understand and feel the places you visit.

Yes. Everyone is welcome. Our modern fleet of Mercedes Benz luxury vehicles with high safety ratings offer comfort, and our guides are experienced in assisting travelers of all ages and mobility levels. If you have any specific needs, just let us know ahead of time so we can ensure your comfort.

All our tours include entrance fees to attractions, plus snacks and water. Private tours go further – they also include lunch. So you get a hassle-free experience with everything included.

Yes. We understand cruise schedules can vary. We work with flexible pickup times for shore excursions to make sure your timing works.

Yes, all our tours are family-friendly. We plan with families in mind: comfortable transport, pace that works for different ages, kid-friendly stories and stops, and options for breaks so children (and parents!) stay happy.

Our standard small-group tours are capped at around 20 guests so they feel personal, relaxed, and manageable.

Yes. Sustainability is a core value at Auckland & Beyond Tours. We run eco-conscious tours, minimise environmental impacts, use modern low‐emissions vehicles, and support local communities and conservation wherever possible.

Yes – our vehicles provide free WiFi so you can stay connected. There are also USB charging ports available so your devices stay powered throughout the tour.

Yes. We can accommodate folded wheelchairs, but we need to know in advance so we can make sure everything runs smoothly. Please note vehicles are not equipped with ramps.

Yes – we pre-book all entrance tickets on your behalf. That means you don’t need to spend time in queueing to purchase tickets; you go straight in.