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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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
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Duration
6.5 hours
groups
Group Size
Maximum 11 people
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Transport Mode
Driving, walking
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Category
Evening tour

What can you expect

1

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.

2

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.

3

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

5 reasons to book this tour

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Dinner Included

A three-course meal at Matakana Market Kitchen.

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Refreshments Provided

Water, hot chocolate and cookies on board.

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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.

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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.

Other things to do near Auckland

NZ$950 per person
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