Step into the Kiwi world
Experience the magic of spotting wild Kiwi birds in their natural habitat at Tāwharanui Regional Park. Small groups, expert guides, and an unforgettable nocturnal adventure.
Book NowKiwi Spotting Auckland
Wild Kiwi Spotting
Join us for an unforgettable night tour to spot New Zealand's iconic Kiwi bird in their natural habitat under a stunning starlit sky.
2+ hrs
Night Tour
100%
Wild Kiwis
Expert
Guided Tours
Kiwi Bird Spotting Tours & Experiences
Join our expert local guides for magical night walks in Tāwharanui Reserve, one of the best places to see wild kiwi near Auckland.
Private Tours
Exclusive Kiwi spotting experiences tailored for your group. Choose your date, customise the pace, and enjoy a personalised night adventure under the stars.
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Gift Vouchers
Give the gift of an unforgettable wildlife experience. Perfect for nature lovers, birthdays, or anyone wanting to see a kiwi bird in the wild.
Buy a Gift VoucherA Night You'll Never Forget
Discover the magic of encountering New Zealand's national icon in the wild, guided by local experts who are passionate about kiwi conservation.
Night Safari Experience
The best way to spot a wild kiwi is to join a guided night walk with us. Our expert guides know the birds' territories and provide red torches to avoid disturbing them.
Expert Kiwi Spotting
Our experienced guides know exactly where to find wild kiwis and how to observe them without disturbing their natural behaviour.
Pristine Location
Tāwharanui Regional Park is a predator-free sanctuary where kiwi populations thrive in their natural coastal forest habitat.
Stargazing Bonus
With zero light pollution, enjoy spectacular views of the Milky Way and Southern Cross after your kiwi encounter.
Wild Kiwi Spotting
Tāwharanui Park
Guided Forest WalkBook This Experience
Kiwi Encounter
Step quietly into the forest after dark and experience the magic of Aotearoa. Our small-group night walks give you the chance to encounter Kiwi and other native wildlife while learning about conservation, ecology and local history.
The tour lasts approximately three hours and follows an easy well-maintained track.
Duration
2-3 hours
Group Size
Small groups
Location
Tāwharanui Regional Park
Availability
Year-round
What's Included:
- Expert guided night walk
- Red lens flashlights
- Stargazing opportunity
- Wildlife interpretation
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our Kiwi tours.
Where can I see Kiwis in Auckland?
Tāwharanui Regional Park is one of the few places near Auckland where wild Kiwi live in their natural habitat. The predator‑free park north of Auckland provides coastal forest, wetlands and pasture that suit these nocturnal birds. Guided night walks through the forest offer the best chance to see and hear Kiwi.
What time do the tours start?
Tours begin at nightfall because Kiwi only emerge after dark. Kiwi Spotting Tours run most nights. Start times are adjusted seasonally.
How long is the kiwi tour?
The tour takes minimum 2.5hrs up to 3.5hrs slow walk, depending on kiwi activity and weather conditions. This includes a briefing, the guided walk through the sanctuary, and time for stargazing on clear nights.
What should I bring?
Wear comfortable closed‑toe shoes, quieter footwear is better. Bring a rain jacket and a warm layer as evenings can be chilly and please maintain a quiet voice and turn off bright torches and phone lights. Red Torches are supplied as well as a hot drink and cookies.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children aged from five years are welcome they will need to walk quietly late into the night. Parents please be considerate of other guests and make sure children remain quiet so as not to scare the birds.
How do I get to Tāwharanui?
Tāwharanui is about 80 minutes north of Auckland. From Auckland, drive north on State Highway 1 to Warkworth, turn right off the motorway then left opposite Pak n Save, left again at Matakana Road roundabout and follow signs to Tāwharanui Regional Park.
Drive through the auto gates and follow the road. Kiwi Spotting Tours will meet you at the Anchor Bay parking lot at the end of road.
Why do Kiwis call at night?
Kiwi calls help them mark their territory and stay in contact with their mate. Both males and females call to announce their presence, especially during the breeding season. The best time to listen for Kiwi calls is on dark, moonless nights up to two hours after sunset and just before dawn.
Are Kiwi birds rare to see?
Yes. Kiwi live in dense forest and are nocturnal, they are shy and can move quickly when they sense danger, Kiwi are seldom seen in the wild even by locals, however a guided night walk will greatly improve your chances. Outside of managed areas, the national population has declined to around 68,000 birds, there were once millions of these beautiful Taonga (treasures) before mammalian predators were introduced, the reality is that only about 5% of Kiwi hatched in the wild survive to adulthood.
What is the Maori name for Kiwi bird?
The word “Kiwi” comes from te reo Māori and has been adopted into English. In Māori mythology the bird is also called “te manu huna a Tāne” or “te manu a Tane”, meaning “the hidden bird of Tāne (god of the forest)”. Early Māori believed Kiwis were protected by Tāne and referred to them by this name. Today, “Kiwi” remains the standard name in both Māori and English.
Ready for an Unforgettable Night?
Book your kiwi encounter today and experience one of New Zealand's most magical wildlife experiences.
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