Black Sand Tours
Black Sand Tours
5
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About
Black Sand Tours Wild West adventure trip is a different style of tourism. It will feel less like a tour, and more like you are exploring incredibly beautiful locations with old friends. We climb down cliffs, we swim (year round) in the surf, we walk through rivers, we slide down sand dunes, we swim through caves, we get buried up to our neck in Black Sand and then we run into lakes, rivers, oceans to wash it off. Sometimes we find seals. Sometimes we find whales. Sometimes we find dolphins. But this is absolutely not a get off the bus / take photos / get back on the bus kind of tour. You will go home muddy, wet, sandy, happy and tired. And you will learn a lot about New Zealand. Plus, our photos are spectacular - we take pictures of you and your friends exploring our locations all day, and they are freely available to you at no cost. We pick the best locations for the group, and the weather conditions of the day from the following list; Piha Beach Bethells Sand Dunes Muriwai Beach Whatipu Beach KiteKite Falls Pararaha Valley And we tailor a day that you will never forget.
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5.0
166 reviews
Excellent
163
Very good
2
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Alex Harris
14 contributions
Jul 2016 • Solo
Shaun you can tell really cares about the people on his trip, the places he shows you and the things you do there. Each location we could have been to he thought about when it would be the best to visit. He took pictures the entire time allowing people to have free copies of them when its done, leaving you with the ability to just enjoy your trip and take in the scenes. Really a quality guy in quality places. Check it out!
Written 6 July 2016
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.
Thankyou, and thanks for the awesome 360 pics you took as well!
You crack me up man!
Written 6 December 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
glennsteven
New York City, NY1 contribution
Jan 2017 • Solo
I was sent to Auckland for work for a couple of weeks and had a day to myself. I knew that I wanted to see the black sand beaches on the west coast and rolled the dice with Black Sand Tours. I seriously hit the jackpot.
Shaun picked me up at my hotel on a Sunday morning. In the car I met two other Americans, sisters who were traveling through Auckland and Sydney from California. Shaun had us all introduce ourselves and led the conversation to make us all comfortable. We stopped to pick up some food and water. (I'd recommend buying a few sandwiches as it's a physical day and I really worked up an appetite)
We first went to Piha beach. It was majestic. Shaun knew all the secret spots for hikes, swims and photo ops. He took special care to make sure that we didn't kill our selves in the ocean or otherwise. By mid morning it really just felt like four friends out for an incredible experience together. My new friends from California turned out to be to awesome companions. It was uplifting to watch them share the experience. They were beaming. We knew that we were blessed to be there and were thankful for it.
Next we visited Anawhata, isolated, mysterious and glorious. It's the kind of place that only exists in dreams. I found myself actually reminiscing about being there...while still there. I'm not going to tell you about every inch of my journey, but I hope that yours is just as epic.
If you're looking to go beach to beach, get off a bus or out of a van, take of few pictures and move on to the next one then this isn't the tour for you. However if you want to really experience the black sand beaches on the west coast of Auckland with an amazing, insightful local then I can't imagine there exists a better option for you.
The day was thoroughly documented for us too! Shaun took tons of pictures of us throughout the day and sent them all our way a day or so later. It's a gift to be able to sort through them and relive my day at Piha and Anawhata.
Shaun grew up in what has to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It's his turf. It's a testament to his character that he's looking to share it with you rather than keep it to himself. Yes, he's getting paid to do it, but I really don't think enough.
Shaun picked me up at my hotel on a Sunday morning. In the car I met two other Americans, sisters who were traveling through Auckland and Sydney from California. Shaun had us all introduce ourselves and led the conversation to make us all comfortable. We stopped to pick up some food and water. (I'd recommend buying a few sandwiches as it's a physical day and I really worked up an appetite)
We first went to Piha beach. It was majestic. Shaun knew all the secret spots for hikes, swims and photo ops. He took special care to make sure that we didn't kill our selves in the ocean or otherwise. By mid morning it really just felt like four friends out for an incredible experience together. My new friends from California turned out to be to awesome companions. It was uplifting to watch them share the experience. They were beaming. We knew that we were blessed to be there and were thankful for it.
Next we visited Anawhata, isolated, mysterious and glorious. It's the kind of place that only exists in dreams. I found myself actually reminiscing about being there...while still there. I'm not going to tell you about every inch of my journey, but I hope that yours is just as epic.
If you're looking to go beach to beach, get off a bus or out of a van, take of few pictures and move on to the next one then this isn't the tour for you. However if you want to really experience the black sand beaches on the west coast of Auckland with an amazing, insightful local then I can't imagine there exists a better option for you.
The day was thoroughly documented for us too! Shaun took tons of pictures of us throughout the day and sent them all our way a day or so later. It's a gift to be able to sort through them and relive my day at Piha and Anawhata.
Shaun grew up in what has to be one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It's his turf. It's a testament to his character that he's looking to share it with you rather than keep it to himself. Yes, he's getting paid to do it, but I really don't think enough.
Written 4 February 2017
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.
Clark and Marty A
Glenwood15 contributions
Jan 2020
Did this tour in late January. It was a small group of 4 and we got along splendidly. We went to Piha beach and Kitekite Falls after Shaun collaborated/confirmed our interests. Both places were well worth the time and were spectacular. I had thought we would go to more places, but it was a full day as it was (it takes awhile to get to the west coast and back), and we had enough time at both places to fully enjoy them. Shaun and his colleague James were both easy going and very knowledgeable about all the plants, especially James who was studying in the field/practice. I had a back injury just before the trip and Shaun was very understanding, patient, gracious and helpful on the hikes which I really appreciated. If we were to be in Auckland again, I would definitely book another excursion with this company, Black Sand Tours.
Written 3 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 the great review... we enjoyed meeting you guys a lot.
Written 5 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DRSLB6
Williamsburg, VA53 contributions
Dec 2019
Was looking for something fun to do on New Years Eve in Auckland on our first full day in the country and this tour did not disappoint. John gave us personallized attention and seemed to really enjoy his job. From climbing on rocks to going into the freezing water, fun was had by all including our 4 teens. Highly recommend this tour!!
Written 16 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 for the great review... :)
Written 26 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelsey
5 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
I booked late the night before and ended up being the only person on the tour. I had a wonderful time learning about the history, geology, and native plants of the area. My guide was super friendly, accommodating, and knowledgeable about the area. The views were spectacular! If you’re looking to get out of the city and see beautiful remote black sand beaches off the beaten path then this is the tour for you!
Written 27 November 2019
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 the great review. Glad you had a good time with us...
Written 29 November 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JuanePrado
London, UK8 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
We had a great time walking around Piha Beach and the Kitekite Falls. Shaun was very hands-on, engaging and shared lots of knowledge and good spots for the visit. He also sent us all some awesome photos of the day later on.
Written 28 March 2018
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.
Rogier S
Stockholm, Sweden5 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
Shaun is excellent guide who ensures you have a fun and adventurous (but safe) experience. He knows all the good spots and takes you off the main track to spots only locals know. We did the Piha beach caves and waterfalls nearby. If you're in for a cool experience in the Auckland area, go for it!
Written 27 December 2017
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.
Kevin W
10 contributions
Shaun was an amazing guide and took us to some of his personal favorite hidden gems. While all of the other tourists were assembling in one area, we went to more remote areas for a personal and private experience. I did the hike in flip flops and recommend you don't do the same.
Written 27 December 2017
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.
Sumit S
Hyderabad District, India4 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
I am on a business trip in Auckland and wanted to plan a quick trip to nearby place. Since its summer time and its going crazy coz of awesome weather in Auckland, I panned a beach visit. Searched Tripadvisor and thankfully I got booking for 3rd Dec with Black Sand Tour. I wasn't sure how the trip will unfold, but thought since I am a solo rider, lets hope for the best. On 3rd Dec, I aligned with Shaun, Black Sand owner, I got picked up from my Hotel in CBD at 10:00am. I was welcomed by Shaun and a candian family who was also booked in the same journey. So there we started and Shaun really got us going right from setting up the mood, talking about the places along the way and sharing his experiences. We first took a short break to grab some lunch and get going further. We first headed towards Anhawata, as suggested by Shaun. by the time we reached Anhawata, it was bright and shine (Sun in NZ is really bright and you need to soak into suncreen) and we had to trek down for half an hour to reach to the sea beach.
I was lugging with my SLR and other stuff and finally reached the beachside. The coast has black sand, and It was for the first time I had been to a black sand beach. We walked towards the small hillock near beach, where we had break for lunch, and decided (Shaun's suggestion) to dip into river, than sea. I guess, this was pretty good though I didnt swim, but just trolled in the water untill we all decided to go next to Piha. Shaun, also kept clicking pictures throughout, which I think was really good as I never get to have some good pictures of me on the trip(s). Here, a big thumbs up for Shaunn :). On the way back, since it was uphill, we all took our own sweet time.
We then headed next to Piha, which In my view was the most amazing part. I had never seen before, mussels sticking on the rocks, to me this was really exciting as it was the best as the nature could get for me. At piha, we waded through shallow water and reached the cave which was really awesome. Thankfully it was low tide, so we could walk through the cave and reach onto the other side of the beach. To me, I had never seen such beautiful view and on the walls of caves, there were beautiful starfishes sticking. We stayed there for half n hour and then we moved to another cave nearby. I think as a guide, Shaun was great to take us to all these hidden areas, which otherwise you would not know about them. The cave we visited last was again awesome, opening up to a private kind of beach, no people, just rocks, sea breeze, vast blue water.
We stayed for another 45 min and then we head back to our car. In my view I had the best trip being in New Zealand and I blindly recommend Black Sand Tour, if anyone of want to plan a day trip.
I was lugging with my SLR and other stuff and finally reached the beachside. The coast has black sand, and It was for the first time I had been to a black sand beach. We walked towards the small hillock near beach, where we had break for lunch, and decided (Shaun's suggestion) to dip into river, than sea. I guess, this was pretty good though I didnt swim, but just trolled in the water untill we all decided to go next to Piha. Shaun, also kept clicking pictures throughout, which I think was really good as I never get to have some good pictures of me on the trip(s). Here, a big thumbs up for Shaunn :). On the way back, since it was uphill, we all took our own sweet time.
We then headed next to Piha, which In my view was the most amazing part. I had never seen before, mussels sticking on the rocks, to me this was really exciting as it was the best as the nature could get for me. At piha, we waded through shallow water and reached the cave which was really awesome. Thankfully it was low tide, so we could walk through the cave and reach onto the other side of the beach. To me, I had never seen such beautiful view and on the walls of caves, there were beautiful starfishes sticking. We stayed there for half n hour and then we moved to another cave nearby. I think as a guide, Shaun was great to take us to all these hidden areas, which otherwise you would not know about them. The cave we visited last was again awesome, opening up to a private kind of beach, no people, just rocks, sea breeze, vast blue water.
We stayed for another 45 min and then we head back to our car. In my view I had the best trip being in New Zealand and I blindly recommend Black Sand Tour, if anyone of want to plan a day trip.
Written 7 December 2017
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.
SHERYL A
2 contributions
Sept 2017 • Solo
I went on a West Coast Beaches tour with Tristan as a guide. He was quite funny and very knowledgeable about wildlife and vegetation. He was willing to take us wherever we wanted so we went to one very remote black sand beach, to a local hangout for a traditional New Zealand lunch and to another gorgeous black sand beach with a cave and a "sinkhole" area. We did a bit of hiking and Tristan was very considerate of our abilities. I highly recommend this tour.
Written 24 September 2017
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.
I am thinking of booking this tour but may have my luggage with me (one small suitcase). Does anyone know if there would be anywhere to store this? Thanks !
Written 10 February 2018
The van is a 10 passenger van.. that said, there could be room in front of one of the single seats .. or possible via the back door and stored under the back seats. (Just a previous customer observation). Although your hotel should be able to hold your bag for you.
Written 15 January 2019
I am thinking of booking this tour but may have my luggage with me (one small suitcase). Does anyone know if there would be anywhere to store this? Thanks !
Written 10 February 2018
yes... I am sure they can accomedate this. we had 4 large pieces of luggage.
Written 6 April 2018
shaunwalters
Auckland Central, New Zealand
If you click book now on the trip advisor page it takes you to a bookings page. The tour costs $159 NZD :)
Written 14 August 2017
suzercise
East Setauket, New York
My husband and I are in our 60's and in good shape. Is this tour suitable for us.
Written 30 June 2017
Hello! :)
So this tour might get usually a bit adventurous, you are usualy walking a bit, in the sand, the mud sometimes, climbing up some rocks, crossing easy rivers...
If you know what you are able of I would totally go for it (shaun had a 80years old lady once apparently!)as long as you are aware that it is not gonna be the classic "bus-picture-bus" tour :) and that you are truly comimg back wet and sandy and tired :D
Written 30 June 2017
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