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Day tour from Auckland: Waikatere Ranges

Last updated on February 21, 2016 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

Before starting my 2 week tour of New Zealand, I had a weekend to spend in Auckland. One of the days was spent admiring the city’s skyline and for the other day I opted for a day tour outside. As you know I am all about nature. So I chose a tour to the Waitakere ranges with Habitat tours.

Travel Guide New Zealand - Waiketere range day tour from Auckland

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REVIEW WAIKATERE RANGE TOURS

The tour to the Waitakere Ranges was a full day with a lot of variety. I really enjoyed it. Plus the guide made the effort of dropping me off outside of the city center which is rare. Although the weather was not really on my side, I got to admire:

  • lush rainforests with ancient trees including the Kauri trees
  • A black sand beaches
  • a hidden lake fringed my a massive black sand dune.
  • A waterfall,
  • a gannet colony

REVIEW - WAIKATERE RANGES TOUR

  • Company: Habitat Tour – Tour: Day tour Waitakere Ranges
  • I did it in March 2014
  • Organisation: Good organization. I really appreciated the drop off outside of the city centre. We covered a lot and all went smoothly. Picnic was all ready and delicious
  • Activities: Very different sceneries all along the day.
  • Guide/Driver: Friendly and knowledgeable. The first walk in the forest was very interesting. He adapted to my interests and fitness level
  • Overall opinion: Very satisfied with the company. If you want to escape Auckland for a day and learn more about the natural habitats and birds around it, I recommend contacting Habitat Tour.
  • I selected that activity myself and paid fully for it

Walk in the lush rainforest

We started by a walk in ancient rainforest, learning about berries used for bullets and leaves used for poking by the Maori. Sadly, the trees are attacked by a spore and we had to spray our shoes before entering.

Rainforest Waikatere Ranges, New Zealand Photo 1
Rainforest Waikatere Ranges, New Zealand Photo 2
Rainforest Waikatere Ranges, New Zealand Photo 3

It you like rainforest, I also experienced it in Guadeloupe during a hike under the pouring rain. 


Black Sand Beach

A big change in scenery after that as I went for a walk on Bethells beach. Very windy, but it was nice to be away from the tourist and walk for the very first time on a black sand beach. Although it does not look that black on the photos I concede.

Bethells Beach, New Zealand Photo 1
Bethells Beach, New Zealand Photo 2

After we found protection from the wind and enjoyed a very nice picnic (prepared by my guide and his wife). No time for a nap after that, there was more to see and we hiked above the beach:

Bethells Beach, New Zealand Photo 3

I enjoyed it, but nothing bits the Jokulsarlon black sand beach covered with Icebergs in Iceland.


Black Sand Dunes

Not far away from Bethells beach, there is a sand dune surrounded by green and a lake. We climbed up there and I really enjoyed the contrasting landscape. The black sand was sparkling whenever the sun was getting out!

Black Sand Dune, New Zealand Photo 1
Black Sand Dune, New Zealand Photo 2

Waterfall

This was followed by another peaceful walk in the forest (replanted this time) up to a waterfall. I remember the guide telling me something about that place, historically. I think it was about transportation of wood… History is really not my thing...

Waikatere Ranges Day Tour New Zealand

Colony of gannets

The last stop was a very smelly spot where we could observe a colony of gannets. A nice end to the tour.

Gannet colony, Waikatere Ranges Tour, New Zealand photo 1
Gannet colony, Waikatere Ranges Tour, New Zealand photo 2
Gannet colony, Waikatere Ranges Tour, New Zealand photo 3

Want to see more of NEW ZEALAND?

Discover more things to do with planning information and photos in my online New Zealand Travel Guide.

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Hi! I’m Claire

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I am the Travel Planning Geek behind the ZigZag Travel Guides. My goal is to provide you with clear and practical information to help you plan unforgettable trips! Read more

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