Tawharanui Wild Kiwi Bird Spotting Encounter

On holiday from Ireland and family booked event and guide (Faith)was brilliant from start of event to the end and really knowledgeable and passionate about ensuring we seen kiwis in the wild and in fact we were lucky to see approx 9 different locations Would highly recommend guide (Faith) taking time to give us the best experience she could

Faith provided a great guided tour with plenty of kiwi facts and spotting 3 North island brown kiwis for us on our visit. Great experience!

It was incredible, we saw the kiwis in the wild, and it was so beautiful to watch them go about their business. I loved how the guide always led us to the right spots and found the kiwis for us. Then, seeing the stars without any city lights was incredible. I highly recommend this experience. The guide knows a tremendous amount about so many things, and we were able to ask him questions and learn a lot.

Faith, our guide, was a pleasure. I’d recommend this experience to anyone!

Paz was an awesome guide and very knowledgeable, she managed expectations well and made sure the whole group was safe and able to complete the hike while looking for kiwi. We saw a total of 8!

We started out tour at the sky tower picked up in a nice van and given commentary on route. on arrival we were given great gear, some fun toys and a briefing. we went at a time the guide said was incubation period so the cheeky males were not out and about as much. we were so lucky still to have seen some kiwi and our guide was great at expectation management although we felt sorry for him doing his best. thanks heaps you guys at social nature xx

We watched Morepork and Kiwi. This experience is unforgettable, but the Kiwi we can’t take any recording. When we found one on the ground, everyone is too excited and i believe that we scared him, and then he was gone…..

It’s amazing to see the kiwis!

This was an excellent tour and Paz was an exceptional guide! We were lucky to spot 4 kiwis on the night (Tues 30 June) - 1 female, 2 males and a juvenile - all relatively close and happy to go about their business for a minute or two while we watched before heading into thicker bush. I'd highly recommend it for anyone interested in wildlife.

I met this company at the Skytower for their Kiwi-Cab bus which was great. I found the overall experience value for money and the guide was informative. We did indeed spot the elusive kiwi, saw 4 in fact!

Really sad this didn't happen as I was really looking forward to it, unfortunately this was cancelled due to low numbers, obviously not the company fault! These things happen! Good initial communication of this to myself via email, and really worked to make it happen by providing me with appropriate alternatives or a refund with a request for me to reply with my choice. I replied the following day but unfortunately the email was sent from from a noreply email address (no-reply@bokun.io) so I sent an email with my choice to the 'support@snm.nz' - which to be fair is quoted as the main way to contact on the booking system (I asked for a refund not a rearranged date as didn't fit with my itinerary) but I received no reply/confirmation. I then just received a further email from the noreply email stating "As we have not received a reply to our email and have not reached our minimum numbers for tonight's tour, we are unfortunately having to cancel your reservation. You will receive a full refund" So review is largely so the company is aware that the emails sent out asking questions of clients come from an address we cannot reply to. So in future perhaps ensure the support@snm.nz email is on the bottom of all correspondence to ensure things are smoother and that this mailbox is responded to (although appreciate it is probably very busy)... Would be excellent if wasn't for the above email frustrations.

This tour was amazing! We some various kiwi and the walk was very easy and accessable. It was a very enjoyable and pleasant walk. Millie and Conrad where amazing too. They are very enthousiastic, helpfull and share a lot of knowledge with the group. We also saw some great starry nightskies along the way. Would 100% do it again!

Such a fun evening! Ryan was knowledgable and took us to a more secluded area. Lucky enough to see 2 kiwi birds!!

My friend and I joined the Tawharanui Wild Kiwi Bird Spotting Encounter, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. We were in a small group of 11 people, which made the experience feel personal and well-managed. With the help of a very experienced and knowledgeable guide, we were lucky enough to see 4–5 wild kiwis in their natural habitat. The guide provided red‑light torches, which were essential for spotting the kiwis without disturbing them. The tour duration was very reasonable, around 2 hours, and well paced. We also added the NZD 100 per person shuttle service to and from Sky Tower, which was convenient and hassle‑free. Suggestions: As the tour takes place on a peninsula in the evening, we’d highly recommend bringing a warm jacket, as it can get quite chilly. Also, since it’s an evening tour, bringing some snacks is also a good idea. Overall, this was a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience and a lifelong memory. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Auckland who wants to see wild kiwis.

While we saw several wondrous kiwis, it was overpriced at $150 per person. The Guides should have a script, so that instead of winging it with impromptu comments, they can provide thoughtful, factual information. Some of the equipment like head torches that they dumped in a pile on the ground, were not in working order. It was merely a very casual wander along a bush path, passing by other people who were on their own doing nothing more than we paid to do and getting nothing less.

We ( two grandparents in our mid 70s with two 9 year old grandsons) had a very well organised 2 hour night walk in Tawharanui Regional Park with two knowledgeable and entertaining guides, Ryan and Maria. We saw three Kiwis, one very close up and two running away a short distance from us. We would highly recommend this adventure and wish to commend our two excellent guides from the Social Nature Movement.

Honestly my highlight of my entire Neu Zealand tour. We saw 7 kiwi birds they were so cute. The equipment and red lights were great. The clouds opened so we got a good astronomy lesson too. If I could repeat any holiday again it would be this one in this country and i'd choose the SNM team especially if I could have hansom Chris i'd marry his brain, his wealth of knowledge, intuitive approaches and calm demeanor with our group. Best tour guide i've met in my time too 10 stars **********

This advert gave me the impresssion that we were on a stargazing tour. No. We are on a kiwi spotting tour. Which was OK but not expected at all. My hosts at my accommodation gave me a red torch to use and that is all we did was walk and kiwi spot. We saw 3 separate ones which was great and our guide was very knowledgeable and good. But this is NOT anything to do with stars.

Fantastic tour. A small group, all the correct equipment provided. The guide was a total Legend and he knew where to find the Kiwi and was filled to the brim with knowledge.

Just a fantastic evening. We’ve waited 25 years to see a wild kiwi and we see 10- yes 10 in one evening. Our brilliant guide even had the time to take us through the stars of the southern hemisphere. Could not rate this 2 hours more highly.

Our guide, Legend, was amazing, and was able to find 5 adult kiwis and even a three week old baby! Amazing experience!

We had an amazing experience on the tour! Didn't get to see any stars due to weather but the kiwi spotting was top notch. Saw 6 kiwis and a barn owl up close! Our guide was awesome and answered all of our various kiwi questions.

We really appreciated the opportunity to experience kiwi spotting and fully understand that when nature is involved, sightings can never be guaranteed. While we weren’t lucky enough to see a kiwi on the night, we still valued being in their natural environment and recognise that this is part of the experience. One piece of feedback we would offer is around equipment. It’s a long night if you don’t have a torch, and searching for kiwi without one makes it difficult to fully engage. Providing each participant with a red-light torch (included in the ticket price) would significantly improve the experience and make everyone feel equally equipped. We were also a little disappointed that star spotting wasn’t offered. At 11.40pm we were still searching for the elusive kiwi, and given the ticket states that both kiwi and star spotting are included, it felt like we spent close to three hours without really ticking either box. Overall, a well-intentioned experience with room for improvement, particularly around managing expectations and ensuring all guests are set up to make the most of the night.

I never write reviews but because this company refused to listen to our concerns so I feel I have to. We paid 750 NZ$ for our Kiwi and stargazing experience. It was a complete rip off. The “experienced” guide had been with the company for two weeks and this was their second solo trip. They knew very little about kiwis and even less about stars. The equipment was either broken or so unfamiliar to the guide that they were unable to work it. We made it very clear when booking with the company that the stargazing was as important to us as the kiwis and said again on the tour that we wanted that element of the tour. Unfortunately time wasted trying to fix broken equipment and the fact that the guide really knew nothing about the night sky or how to set up and use the telescope or binoculars meant that there was not enough time or knowledge anyway to even attempt a proper stargazing session. When we approached the company for a partial refund, (we only requested a partial refund as we did see kiwis) they offered us 50NZ$ that’s 10$ per person. A pathetic offer considering our disappointment and the cost of this experience. They then stopped corresponding with us. Avoid this company an go on your own with a red torch, you will probably see more kiwis without the big noisy group of 10 crashing around blindly with cheep inadequate equipment.

Great tour company. I really appreciated the way they contacted us on the day to say it would be cloudy and ask if we still wanted to go ahead as we wouldn’t be able to do the star gazing aspect and could cancel if we wanted. Made me feel our experience was their priority not just getting money through. Glad we went ahead as although we weren’t able to do the star gazing we did see 5 kiwi including a baby one!

Amazing tour with super friendly and knowledgeable guide. We saw 2 kiwis (they were the cutest thing ever) and Jupiter and Saturn through a telescope. What an experience! Would do it again.

Highly, highly recommend this tour. The guide was knowledgable and knew how to find a Kiwi. This experience was amazing and one that will not be forgotten. We saw around 6 different Kiwi's and a Ruru. The star gazing was a good variance on this tour.

Legend was, well, a legend. Really appreciated his knowledge and passion for the area. This was one of the highlights of my trip, and I can't wait to go back.

Ryan was a fantastic guide. He showed us many kiwis and told us a lot about them. What struck me was his energy that resonates with the company ethos that he explained. We were indeed a group of people sharing words, in nature looking at kiwis in their natural habitat and briskly exercising walking our legs. Well done guys, top notch and will be recommending your kiwi tour and the stargazing!

Very attentive and responsive as wanted to change date due to weather and was no problem - thanks guys 😀. Slight issue with where we could go so maybe better coordination with park rangers etc but worked out OK. Once we got into the bush abd stated looking we could hear kiwis and eventually spotted them which was brilliant. Guide was g8 at knowing where to look and we got to see kiwis and even one scurrying across the path in front of us. Star gazing was good and the telescope they had was very powerful so moon shot was so clear. But more tricky seeing other stars and by time we getting tired and a little chilly although cookies and offer of hot chocolate very welcome. All in all a good night. Experience is very weather dependant so check before booking as rain and if cloudy night will dampen experience significantly. Recommend letting us know of late hot choc or maybe coffee etc at end of night as part of package and setting up quickly would make for a lovely end of the experience 😀. Cheers guys, a good night.

The tour was fantastic! Our guide was so dedicated and really tried his best to help us see kiwis – even though we only saw a few briefly. The scenery was beautiful, and the stargazing was super interesting. Totally worth it and I’d love to do it again!

This was a highlight of our NZ visit. Getting to see Kiwi in nature was a huge thrill. The mild hike searching for them was fun as it was done at night - different than your usual hiking! Star gazing later was equally impressive especially if you are from the Northern hemisphere. The area has very little light pollution and the sky was dazzling. The view of the Milky Way and the Southern Cross was something that made our trip down here from California. Above all Chris and Ben, our guides, were experienced and very knowledgeable. This is a not-to-miss NZ tour.

It was an amazing experience watching the kiwi birds in their habitat. We were lucky to be there during mating season. Our guide, Legend, was amazing and very friendly. Super knowledgeable about Kiwi birds and the stars.

The great Legend, leads a truly EXTRAORDINARY night tour!! My daughter and I signed up for the tour hoping for an opportunity to see the elusive kiwi bird in the wild (something 95% of New Zealanders have never seen!). Legend was incredibly well-prepared with red lights, night sensors, and his keen eyes and ears. He has trekked these forests for decades and knows exactly where you go to track kiwis!! By the end of the night, we had seen an AMAZING 8 brown kiwis & saw so many other night creatures, the Milky Way, the southern sky in all its glory, the waves crashing at a beautiful beach, & then capped it all off with hot chocolate & the best Kiwi cookies in the land!! Thank you Legend - we will never forget you & all of your great stories!!

Our guide, Legend, lived up to his name and was an absolute legend. We saw so many kiwi and learned so much about wild life, te ao maori and the stars. An amazing experience - thank you!

I can highly recommend this tour for both New Zealanders and tourists. It was a truly magical experience seeing kiwis in the wild, one I will never forget. Our guide Legend was awesome and very informative. A experience that I will definitely be encouraging more family members to do. Thank you

Highly enjoyable evening with our guide Legend and a small group of people on a night time tour of the tracks through Tāwharanui regional park. We spotted 8 or 9 kiwi’s and managed to get up close to 5. Plenty of photo and video opportunities, we finished the night star gazing with binoculars, telescopes and tripods provided. Great stories from Legend who has a wide knowledge of Māori creation stories, customs , the cosmos and local history.

We had such an amazing walk with Legend last night. So fun, informative and beautiful views! We saw 6 kiwis! Legend was very knowledgable on all sorts of things, including the local area, land, culture and plants. Was something different for me but loved it

Brilliant experience, we loved our walk looking for kiwis- and were stunned to see 8 of them! Legend was a brilliant guide, very friendly and knowledgeable. We also enjoyed our stargazing and it was a nice surprise to have a tim tam and hot milo too!

Ok, want to start by saying really I would have liked to have give a 4.5 but we can't do half star ratings. Legend, our tour guide, was absolutely brilliant and gets a 5-star rating. He was able to help us spot 11 kiwi and taught us so much about the kiwis and the night sky. The only criticism was that communication about the glamping add-on could have been better. The tents are set up 2 hours before the tour but we weren't told where it would be set up on the campground and there was no sign outside the tent. Luckily we were the only glampers that night so we were able to find it beforehand. Overall, we were really happy though and will definitely book again when back in NZ.

Legends a Legend, really enjoyed the experience and the knowledge he had. Managed to see 3 Kiwis and got really close to one!

We were sceptical at first because of the price but it was worth every penny. This tour is a MUST, I recommend to anyone visiting NZ!! Lucas our guide was very friendly, we got to see 3 kiwis and it was a perfect night for stargazing.

Legend was an informative guide, he did well but could have told us more about the Maori culture (though he already knew a lot! - i'm just being needy). Stars and kiwis were plentiful

Had an amazing experience on the kiwi spotting and stargazing tour. We saw 5 Kiwi birds and got to look at the stars whilst learning about the Maori Astrology. Our guides were fantastic, would 100% recommend this tour to anyone.

Amazing tour where I saw the kiwis - three of them - and indeed the stars that were explained nicely. I was also fortunate enough to sleep in the Glamping tent option overnight experience and with no regrets. Thanks SNM team

What a great day! Without booking this activity, we would never have noticed this great national park. Although it is powerless for RVs, it is huge, very well maintained and in a bombastic location. You can enjoy the beach or go on beautiful hikes, among other things spotting kiwifruit. Our guide Legend has made the 2 hours an exciting, educational and enchanting excursion. We were lucky: Equipped with red light, we were able to find and observe more than 10 kiwis. I would not recommend the tour for small children. It is not particularly strenuous, but it is advisable to make the way from the camping to the meeting point once in the afternoon in daylight to find the way in the darkness). A flashlight or cell phone is mandatory. Cell phone reception there appealing. It wasn't enough for many stars, it was too covered for that. Attention: You have to book the campsite yourself, this also applies to glamping.