
Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 2 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour worth booking?
Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour is a 6-hour experience in Auckland, New Zealand, from $290 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 2 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (2)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $290 per person
Explore Auckland’s natural landscapes and wildlife at a relaxed pace on this small group tour from Auckland's city centre. At your first stop of Mt Eden, walk the slopes of an extinct volcano and be rewarded with sweep
What you get
- Alcoholic beverages
About this experience
Explore Auckland’s natural landscapes and wildlife at a relaxed pace on this small group tour from Auckland's city centre. At your first stop of Mt Eden, walk the slopes of an extinct volcano and be rewarded with sweeping 360 degree views over Auckland. Next, head out to the west coast to discover dramatic black sand beaches and rugged coastal cliffs. Stroll easy coastal paths to viewpoints overlooking thousands of nesting Australasian gannets, with sweeping views of the Tasman Sea, then enjoy time to explore the beach below. Learn how Māori culture, volcanic geology, and powerful ocean forces have shaped this unique landscape. Lastly, enjoy a wine tasting at a small local winery, with the opportunity to stay for lunch, offering time to unwind before returning to the city via the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge. Please be aware that coastal locations are exposed and weather conditions can change. The gannets are present from August until late March.
What's included
Included
- Alcoholic beverages
Not included
- Meals
What you'll see and do
Mount Eden
The first stop of your tour will be the iconic Mount Eden volcano. See the crater and learn about the volcanoes of Auckland and its first inhabitants, then walk to the top to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
45 minutes here
Muriwai Gannet Colony
Visit and learn about the gannet colony, get up close to the birds for photographs, and enjoy the clifftop coastal scenery over Muriwai Beach. Note that the birds are present during August-March only.
60 minutes here
Walk on the volcanic black sands of Maukatia Bay (Maori Bay), explore the tidal rocky cave, and dip your feet in the Tasman Sea.
45 minutes here
Soljans Estate Winery
Partake in a complimentary wine tasting at a boutique family-run winery, and stay to have lunch at the Bistro (own cost).
60 minutes here
Auckland Harbour Bridge
Return to the central city by driving over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, which offers great views of the city and harbour.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Auckland
If a hotel pickup is not selected, please wait at the steps at 148 Quay St in front of Daikoku Restaurant and opposite the entrance to Queens Wharf, and your guide will meet with you there We will message you the day before the tour to tell you which vehicle to look out for and the exact pickup time
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
If a hotel pickup is not selected, please wait at the steps at 148 Quay St in front of Daikoku Restaurant and opposite the entrance to Queens Wharf, and your guide will meet with you there We will message you the day before the tour to tell you which vehicle to look out for and the exact pickup time
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 11 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Voltours Limited
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






Traveler reviews
2 verified traveler reviews for Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience with birds.
Harriet is a great tour guide, we had incredible experience of Turns, hundreds of Turns along with their chics could be watched in close quarters. We don’t even have to use our binoculars. As a naturalist I loved this experience.
Response from the operator: Thanks for your review - I'm so glad you had a great day getting up close to the gannets, even in the strong westerly wind! - Harriet
via Tripadvisor
Loved this tour!
Loved this trip! Harriet is a gem - friendly, knowledgeable and fun. We were a small group and travelled in a comfortable van. First, we did short walk to the top of Mt. Eden where you can see a panoramic, bird’s eye view of Auckland. Next we headed to see the gannet colony which was spectacular. We explored the black sand beaches and caves nearby. Finally, we enjoyed a delicious lunch and wine tasting on the way home. It was one of the best meals of my NZ trip. The trip was fantastic and Harriet is a super ambassador for Aukland.
Response from the operator: Thanks so much for your great review! It was so fun to show you around Auckland for the day - Harriet
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Auckland.
How much does Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour cost?
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Prices start at $290 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Auckland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Auckland is not rushed.
Is Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 2 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Auckland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Auckland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Auckland and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Black Sand Beaches & Birds Auckland Sightseeing Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Auckland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Auckland?
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On Outty we rank every Auckland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland incl lunch, Hobbiton Movie Set Small Group Tour with Cheeky Kiwi Travel, Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour with Lunch from Auckland. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Auckland?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Auckland?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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