Kiwiness Tours
Kiwiness Tours
5
Taxis & ShuttlesBeer Tastings & ToursPrivate ToursNature & Wildlife ToursWine Tours & Tastings
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Kiwiness Tours is a Matakana based tour and transport service offering a range of guided day out options from wine and craft beer tours, evening kiwi sanctuary tours at Tawharanui, scenic day trips, beach visits, chocolate boutiques, local pottery, private sheep farm visits, gelato & real fruit ice cream, honey tasting and amazing eateries! This is your first choice for people wanting tours offered in true kiwi style, nothings a problem approach! The modern minivan seats up to 11 people (other vehicles available on enquiry) and has a large cargo hold for holiday luggage, outdoor adventure gear or any supplies needed for your destination. Larger group bookings can also be arranged.
Matakana, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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5.0
195 reviews
Excellent
191
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Mark61
Chiang Mai, Thailand319 contributions
Jan 2021 • Couples
Our tour guide, Ness, was absolutely amazing! She was very friendly and knowledgeable, and made sure that our experience was spectacular! We spotted 3 kiwis (one came within a few feet of us!) and several other birds and other wildlife with our red flashlights.
The trails in the park are very well developed and easy to walk on for any level of fitness.
To give you an overview, we were picked up in Matakana in a comfortable and clean van, then driven out to Tawharanui Park. (About 15 minutes) After arrival at the park we looked at and learned about the protective fence construction, walked up to a beautiful lookout point for some photos, then stopped off at an information station for some hot chocolate and snacks while our guide educated us about the park, it’s history, the flora and fauna, and, of course, the kiwis! When the sun started to set, we began our walk (about 2 hours of leisurely walking staying as quiet as possible). The woods were quiet, and we could hear all of the bird calls and other sounds of the forest, including the kiwis walking in the underbrush! We almost immediately came upon our first kiwi sighting, and watched it for about 10 minutes before moving along. While walking on the trail quietly, we heard a male and female kiwi calling to one another up ahead. We then saw two more kiwis! One of them (a female) seemed oblivious to us and walked within a few feet of us! I got some great photos and video! On the walk out, we came upon a rare sighting, a Morepork (Ruru) Owl (also known as the Tasmanian spotted owl). We also saw a Wood Pigeon resting in a tree, and some large Weta on logs. We were directly beneath the Ruru owl in a tree and watched it for a while. (Take a good camera for these sorts of sightings- my iPhone shots weren’t too great). We walked slowly out of the park, and since it was Summer time, we finished about 10:30 PM, and were driven back to our car. Such an amazing experience!!
I would definitely recommend this tour! It is an excellent value, and “must do Kiwi experience” when you are in the Auckland area!!
The trails in the park are very well developed and easy to walk on for any level of fitness.
To give you an overview, we were picked up in Matakana in a comfortable and clean van, then driven out to Tawharanui Park. (About 15 minutes) After arrival at the park we looked at and learned about the protective fence construction, walked up to a beautiful lookout point for some photos, then stopped off at an information station for some hot chocolate and snacks while our guide educated us about the park, it’s history, the flora and fauna, and, of course, the kiwis! When the sun started to set, we began our walk (about 2 hours of leisurely walking staying as quiet as possible). The woods were quiet, and we could hear all of the bird calls and other sounds of the forest, including the kiwis walking in the underbrush! We almost immediately came upon our first kiwi sighting, and watched it for about 10 minutes before moving along. While walking on the trail quietly, we heard a male and female kiwi calling to one another up ahead. We then saw two more kiwis! One of them (a female) seemed oblivious to us and walked within a few feet of us! I got some great photos and video! On the walk out, we came upon a rare sighting, a Morepork (Ruru) Owl (also known as the Tasmanian spotted owl). We also saw a Wood Pigeon resting in a tree, and some large Weta on logs. We were directly beneath the Ruru owl in a tree and watched it for a while. (Take a good camera for these sorts of sightings- my iPhone shots weren’t too great). We walked slowly out of the park, and since it was Summer time, we finished about 10:30 PM, and were driven back to our car. Such an amazing experience!!
I would definitely recommend this tour! It is an excellent value, and “must do Kiwi experience” when you are in the Auckland area!!
Written 28 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa
2 contributions
May 2021
We booked a customised wine tour and dining experience with Vannesa as a surprise birthday party for my mum and we all had the best time! Vanessa has great relationships and in-depth knowledge of local vineyards and businesses. She was able to organise for us exactly what we wanted with unbelievable value for money, we still don't know how she did it!
We had a party of 10 ranging in age from our young 20's to my 90-year-old grandfather and we think it was such a great activity to do as a family. Vanessa went above and beyond to accommodate all of our needs this included arranging for a cake to be delivered to the restaurant and when our family were running behind schedule she flowed with it and so kindly rushed my brother and his wife back home when they needed to get to another commitment. She was very professional but still super friendly and had a great sense of humour. We are very thankful.
We are still talking about how much we enjoyed the day and how perfect it was for us. Nobody enjoyed it quite as much as my grandpa though who wants to go and do it again. We are looking into doing the Kiwi tour next time although we might need to leave him behind for that one.
We had a party of 10 ranging in age from our young 20's to my 90-year-old grandfather and we think it was such a great activity to do as a family. Vanessa went above and beyond to accommodate all of our needs this included arranging for a cake to be delivered to the restaurant and when our family were running behind schedule she flowed with it and so kindly rushed my brother and his wife back home when they needed to get to another commitment. She was very professional but still super friendly and had a great sense of humour. We are very thankful.
We are still talking about how much we enjoyed the day and how perfect it was for us. Nobody enjoyed it quite as much as my grandpa though who wants to go and do it again. We are looking into doing the Kiwi tour next time although we might need to leave him behind for that one.
Written 12 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
o0michaela0o
29 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
We did the Tāwharanui Kiwi Evening Tour and can definitely recommend this tour. Brendon was our guide. First we got a brief introduction about the Kiwi. He offered us the typical Milo beverage with delicious cookies. We started by climbing up a little hill and had an amazing view over the area. Then we went into the forest. What we can say is, that Brendon spared no effort to find a Kiwi. By doing that he was really respectful and did not disturb nature. Walking around in this amazing nature with an experienced guide during the night is really an awesome adventure. To sum it up it is worth the money to do it.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your positive review! We love what we do and take huge pride in protecting the environment and having minimal disruption on the Kiwi at Tawharanui.
Written 27 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jemima B
2 contributions
May 2020
Ness bravely took on her first kids birthday tour, leading 5 6years old into the bush for an epic early evening winter adventure. Fueled by Milo and cake, the team grabbed their red torches with gusto and searched the bush for night-time activity. They loved every minute of it. I highly recommend this if you want to give the traditional sugar-fueled kids birthday party a miss. Getting back to nature and learning all about Aotearoa's unique wild life is a once in a life experiencing for these kids.
Written 31 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna D
14 contributions
Nov 2022 • Friends
Absolutely loved every minute of it! As soon as we arrived I knew it was going to be such a good day. Vanessa is so amazing and so welcoming she’s very good at what she does we spoke regularly on the day and what the goes was Vanessa made so much work for us picking us all up in a big flash bus taking us to our first vineyard which was Omaha bay incredible so beautiful and good wines followed by beautiful art and spectacular views. We then went to the matakana chocolate shop which was super yummy and something fun to do. 2nd stop was the matakana estate where we had the most beautiful laid out platters there was so much FOOD! Hahaha probably a good thing because let me tell you after your first vineyard you’ll be buzzing after your first wines 😂 Lastly we finished off with definitely my favourite of them all the lothlorien estate! You could really just feel the passion of it’s owners as soon as we arrived it was so beautiful in fact I feel like I need to go back and see even more the place. We got to walk around part of the grounds and really see how these people have utilised the land and make spectacular beverages out of it. I would 100% recommend Kiwiness for your special event or even just if it’s the 2 of you! We celebrated my sisters hens party which involved 25 ladies and for 1 lady to take us all on that definitely takes a pro. Thank you Vanessa all the best with your little baby and Ed you’ll be amazing thank you for looking after my phone. 💖
Written 30 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tara G
1 contribution
Mar 2020
I booked Ness for transport for a business offsite we had up in Matakana/Omaha Beach. She was very professional and responsive as well as had an awesome attitude and friendly smile and chat. I would definitely book her for any other business or personal needs going forward and highly recommend her for anything you're planning.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this review Tara! A pleasure doing business with you. 👌
Written 11 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue E
Hamilton, New Zealand9 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
We had a great day, Ness was easy to get along with and seemed to enjoy most of the day too. Day was cut short with no gelato stop which was part of the itinerary and would have been a great end to an otherwise fun day. Lunch was quite late at 2pm, and we were asked to get takeaway coffee due to time but ended up back in Auckland at 4.15pm when schedule was 5pm. A bit confusing but not sure why as no explanation given. Ness was really nice and well organised so I would recommend her tours, think we must have just had her on a bad day.
Written 19 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Sue! Im the owner, operator, itinerary designer, driver and tour guide. I thought it was a great day, and am so glad you felt it was an enjoyable day too. I do strive for excellence so am feeling the critique on this hens day for the lovely Sam. From the Puhoi cafe with bubbles & a cheese board for morning tea, to a jewellery making workshop, then a local winery for tastings, (quick stop in Snells beach for three girls to vote on election day), then our 2pm sitting at Brick Bay winery for yummy antipasto platters and more wine, we really got a lot in! Alas, my apologies re not finishing with a little gelato stop. I assumed wrong that you ladies had had enough, and should’ve asked you.(There was a wine bottle purchased for the van from here so I wonder if I got the wrong impression). My bad. I was also cautious of time re the traffic getting back to Auckland central which can be the hardest part of my Auckland return tours (and aware you still had the leg back to Hamilton to go). I wish you had’ve just said, Hey Ness....!??? Communication is the key and on that, I apologise. It was indeed in the itinerary, you are right.
It was so fun meeting you all, enjoy the wedding!!
Written 22 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debbie H
Wellington, New Zealand11 contributions
Feb 2022
I was the organiser of a "girls" trip and asked Ness to put together a customised itinerary for us as we wanted to do a full day including beer & wine tasting as well as some foodie stops. Ness was excellent to deal with from the very beginning of our communication and even though COVID changed our itinerary at the last minute, Ness showed us a great day with plenty of stops packed in. The group thought the day was excellent value for money and we thought Ness was delightful. Highly recommend Ness if you are in the Matakana / Warkworth area.
Written 18 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Courtney
1 contribution
Jan 2020
Would highly recommend Vanessa and the team at Kiwiness Tours! Their Kiwi tour is a Kiwi tour and so much more! We ventured out with them in the rain last night and can safely say the rain did not dampen our spirits! With cookies and hot chocolate flowing we were able to take advantage of Vanessa’s in-depth knowledge of Tawharanui Regional Park (having literally grown up in the park) and the open sanctuary. We saw 3 Kiwis (including a baby Kiwi) and lots of other wildlife in the park, all of which would not have been possible without the guidance of the Kiwiness team’s honed Kiwi spotting (and hearing) skills! They provide everything you need, all you need is your walking shoes. A must-do tour for NZ locals like ourselves and tourists alike!
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a great review!
Written 15 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Penny G
16 contributions
Mar 2020
If you like NZ wildlife, this is one of the best experiences you'll have. Vanessa (Ness) is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide who really makes the whole tour wonderful. Great success finding kiwi for us - she found 6 on the evening tour we did!!! They were so close to the kiwi but without her skill, we wouldn't have seen them at all. Other birds and the old eel were extra highlights! We loved the professional, warm and friendly way Ness led her tour and are very pleased to highly recommend Kiwiness Tours. You should book!!! Ross and Penny
Written 30 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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