Private Twilight Kiwi Bird Encounter – Tāwharanui Wildlife & Nature Tour

schedule 6.5 hours • auto_awesome Wildlife • location_on Evening trip from Auckland • groups Maximum 11 people

schedule 6.5 hours

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eco Eco-conscious

pets Wildlife

Enjoy a three-course dinner in Matakana then search for wild kiwi on a guided after-dark encounter!

Step in for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see New Zealand’s iconic Kiwi bird in the wild, thriving in its natural habitat. Led by an expert guide, this immersive evening experience takes you through the predator-free environment of Tāwharanui Regional Park, one of the country’s most successful wildlife sanctuaries. As you explore native bush under the cover of darkness, you will have one of the rarest opportunities in New Zealand to encounter Kiwi birds living freely in the wild while learning about their behaviour, conservation, and the unique ecosystem they call home.

Before your wildlife adventure begins, enjoy a delicious 3-course dinner at Matakana Market Kitchen, beautifully located alongside the picturesque Matakana River. Relax and savour locally inspired cuisine in a welcoming setting before heading out for your unforgettable nocturnal experience.

Combining exceptional dining, stunning natural surroundings, fascinating conservation stories, and the rare privilege of observing Kiwi birds in their natural environment, this unique evening offers an authentic and truly memorable New Zealand experience.

* Please advise us of any dietary requirements you may have at the time of booking.

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Destination

Tāwharanui Regional Park & Matakana, north of Auckland

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Available Languages

English

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Included

Pick up & drop off at any hotel, airport or cruise port in Auckland, Professional tour guide/driver, Complimentary refreshments (water, hot chocolate, and cookies) are included, 3-course dinner at Matakana Market Kitchen, Red-lensed torches are provided

schedule

Duration

6.5 hours

groups

Group Size

Maximum 11 people

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Transport Mode

Driving, walking

What can you expect

A Three-Course Dinner in Matakana

Before your adventure begins, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner at Matakana Market Kitchen, set alongside the scenic Matakana River.

A Guided Night Walk for Kiwi

Led by an expert guide, set out on an immersive night walk through predator-free Tāwharanui Regional Park, one of the rarest opportunities in New Zealand to encounter kiwi living freely in the wild.

Nature, Culture and Comfort

Travel in comfort with luxury transport, complimentary refreshments and onboard WiFi, blending fine dining with a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter.

Plan Timeline

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local guide. Feel free to personalise this offer.

Pickup from Auckland

Round-trip luxury transport from Auckland with refreshments on board.

Three-Course Dinner

Dine at Matakana Market Kitchen beside the river.

Drive to Tāwharanui

Continue to the predator-free park as darkness falls.

Guided Kiwi Night Walk

Search for wild kiwi with red-lensed torches provided.

Return to Auckland

Relax on the journey home.

*Note: Our itinerary is flexible and may change on the day so we can give you the best possible experience.

Reviews from guests

    EXCELLENT  
  1899 reviews
 
 
        Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   JOHN F 
 25 January 2026
 
 
   Hole in the Rock Long but very enjoyable day. Some light showers and wind made for bit bumpy ride on the ferry but there is an enclosed deck for fair weather travelers. Jon our driver was superb. Excellent service dropping all in our group back to our hotels in the evening. Good taste of Bay of the islands wanting a longer stay but great for a day trip!
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Amanda C 
 25 January 2026
 
 
   You better hope you get Jon as your driver!! Jon was our driver today and he was great. Very informative on the drive in regards to Auckland and very friendly!!The boat trip was great, got to see multiple dolphins and see the islands. Such a great day!!
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Climber45511056256 
 21 January 2026
 
 
   Great I had Adil as my tour guide. Great tour and smooth journey to and from!
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Gladys T 
 20 January 2026
 
 
   Lovely trip Nice trip we enjoyed it very much it was worth the money . It took all day from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm . It was raining on the day but the guide provided the amberellas . The trip was well organised and timed The tour guide Nancy was lovely, funny so knowledgeable she added more fun to our trip
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   N1C0L3TT3 
 19 January 2026
 
 
   A scenic but long day from Auckland. Well worth it though! A long day but worth it to see the Northland and Bay of Islands landscape especially if you do not have your own transport. Raymond the driver/guide was educational and pleasant and the mini coach was pleasant with just 5 other passengers.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jshah21 
 19 January 2026
 
 
   Awesome! This tour was an absolute highlight of our New Zealand trip, and Andy made it truly exceptional. From start to finish, he was knowledgeable, engaging, and incredibly thoughtful about every detail of the day. His storytelling brought Hobbiton to life in such a fun and immersive way—even if you’re not a die-hard fan, it’s impossible not to be enchanted.Andy managed the schedule seamlessly, making sure we never felt rushed while still fitting everything in comfortably. At Waitomo, he provided great context and history beforehand, which made the glowworm cave experience even more magical and meaningful.What really stood out was Andy’s genuine care for the group—he was approachable, funny, and happy to answer questions, take photos, and make sure everyone was enjoying themselves. It felt personal, not scripted.Highly recommend this tour, and if you can request Andy as your guide, do it. You’ll walk away with amazing memories and an even deeper appreciation for New Zealand’s beauty.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   William N 
 18 January 2026
 
 
   Exceptional experience with Paul! We had an incredible time with Paul as our guide. From start to finish, he was incredibly attentive and made sure everyone in our group was comfortable. He went completely out of his way to show us extra sites we hadn't even expected to see, which really made the trip feel special. His passion for the area is obvious, and he truly went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable experience. Highly recommend!
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Dirk K 
 17 January 2026
 
 
   Great experience at Hobbiton! My partner and I enjoyed the Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour from Auckland.Our driver, John, was incredibly friendly, punctual, and attentive. He shared fascinating tidbits during the journey, making the ride engaging and fun. Upon arrival at Hobbiton, he guided us clearly and efficiently, never overbearing, just perfectly helpful.The tour of Hobbiton itself was wonderful. The experience was well-organized, informative, and just the right length to soak in the magic of Middle-earth. On the return trip, we encountered an unexpected delay due to an accident and the highway was closed. John kept us informed and ensured we had plenty of water and snacks to stay comfortable.Overall, it was a fantastic day out, and I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting New Zealand! A perfect blend of adventure, storytelling, and hospitality.
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Letitia D 
 17 January 2026
 
 
   Epic day trip with a magnificent guide - Nancy . Stories in words and images, enough pit stops to refresh and toilet Our guide Nancy was amazing, caring, helpful and punctual but mostly knowledgeable! She engaged all of the participants and ensured everything is on time and smooth!
  
 
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jim A 
 17 January 2026
 
 
   Great Auckland Intro Shirt but super intro to Auckland. Our guide was informed and really a joy to interact with. Really set up our trip well on our first day here
  
 
 
  
 
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5 reasons to book this tour

restaurant

Dinner Included

A three-course meal at Matakana Market Kitchen.

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Refreshments Provided

Water, hot chocolate and cookies on board.

pets

Wild Kiwi Encounter

Search for kiwi in a predator-free sanctuary.

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Expert Guides

Guides who bring the night and its wildlife to life.

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Luxury Transport

Comfortable round-trip transport with onboard WiFi.

Flexible Cancellation Policy

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Plans can change — we get it

Cancellations made more than 3 days before your tour date are eligible for a partial refund, with fees varying based on timing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is dinner included? keyboard_arrow_down

Yes, a three-course dinner at Matakana Market Kitchen is included before the night walk.

Are kiwi sightings guaranteed? keyboard_arrow_down

Kiwi are wild, so sightings cannot be guaranteed, but Tāwharanui is one of the best places in the region to encounter them. Red-lensed torches are provided.

Is there a minimum group size? keyboard_arrow_down

Yes, a minimum of 2 people is required for this tour to operate.

Are dietary requirements catered for at dinner? keyboard_arrow_down

Yes. Please let us know any dietary requirements when you book and we will arrange your three-course dinner accordingly.

What should I bring? keyboard_arrow_down

Warm layers and comfortable walking shoes for the night walk. Red-lensed torches and onboard refreshments are provided.

Auckland & Beyond tours are always

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Safe and comfortable

Your safety is our priority. We travel in a modern fleet of Mercedes Benz luxury vehicles with high safety ratings, and our guides are experienced in assisting travellers of all ages and mobility levels.

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Fully guided by local experts

Our guides don’t just drive you from A to B. They share rich stories about Aotearoa’s history, natural wonders, Māori culture, and wildlife — so you understand and feel the places you visit.

eco

Eco-conscious

Sustainability is a core value. We run eco-conscious tours, use modern low-emissions vehicles, and support local communities and conservation wherever possible.