Kiwiness tours now offer unique kiwi encounter

As a nation bestowed with the moniker “Kiwi”, it wouldn’t be crazy to assume that the Kiwi bird could be seen frolicking in back gardens across the country.  Unfortunately, due to their low numbers, endangered status and nocturnal nature, even many New Zealanders have never spotted a Kiwi in their lifetime.

This makes seeing a Kiwi quite a rare, special experience - particularly in the wild where they tend to avoid any contact with people.

For international visitors looking for where to see a kiwi in Auckland city, there aren’t many options. This is why Matakana based tour company Kiwiness Tours has created a tour that offers a unique opportunity to see a kiwi in the wild!

The tour, which was introduced this year, takes place at the Tawharanui Sanctuary, which is located just over an hour north of Auckland City. Tawharanui was set up to be a predator-free sanctuary, with a predator fence built in 2004 and trapping initiatives creating an environment where vulnerable endangered bird species can thrive.

Other than a population of northern brown Kiwi, Tawharanui Open Sanctuary is home to the very rare takahe (only 418 birds, NZ wide), Morepork, North Island Robin, Pateke, Dotterel and more.

Unlike other native wildlife sanctuaries created in New Zealand, Tawharanui Open Sanctuary was created to work cohesively with other users of the peninsula. The land is also used for farming and is a popular surf beach and holiday destination. A unique space where farming, recreation and native wildlife all coexist.

The Kiwi spotting walking tour by Kiwiness Tours takes attendees into the heart of the park and into the Kiwi’s natural habitat. Running from 7:30pm to 10:30pm during the Summer months, you’ll be guided through the lush native forest by red torchlight.

You will experience the sounds of native New Zealand bush, listening out for the distinctive shrill call of the North Island Brown Kiwi. There is also a good chance you will get to see one of these treasured birds in the wild.

Tours are kid-friendly, starting at $39 for a child and $69 for an adult and can be booked via the Kiwiness Tours website - https://kiwinesstours.co.nz/kiwi-walk-tour/