About this tour
When Jake from our team ran this half-day tour, we kicked off at Muriwai on Auckland's west coast—a proper dramatic spot with black sand, churning Tasman Sea, and viewing platforms where Australasian gannets nest, fish, and wheel overhead. The birds are the real deal here, especially if you hit it during breeding season when chicks are around. After an hour or so soaking in the raw coastal scenery, we headed inland to Soljans Estate Winery in the quieter Kumeu countryside, swapped the salt spray for wine tasting, and learned how the locals do it. Five hours total, and you've nailed two very different corners of Auckland region.
Highlights
- Gannets diving and nesting metres away on seaside platforms
- Black sand beach backdrop with Tasman Sea crashing below
- Family-owned winery explaining regional winemaking practices
- Guided wine tasting with premium local pours
- Rapid shift from untamed coast to peaceful vineyard setting
- Photo ops of gannet colony with dramatic ocean backdrop
- Air-conditioned vehicle transport between stops
What to expect
You'll start with a scenic drive out to Muriwai, arriving at the gannet colony where designated viewing platforms keep you safe but close enough to really clock the birds. The gannets are busy nesting, diving for fish, and tending chicks (depending on season)—it's genuinely impressive and far less crowded than you'd expect for a spot this close to the city. The wind can rip through, and the light's brilliant for photos. After soaking it in for a good stretch, you head back to the vehicle and drive inland towards Kumeu, which feels a world away.
At Soljans, the pace drops. You'll get a guided tasting of their lineup with background on the vineyard's heritage and how they work the Kumeu terroir. It's relaxed, not pretentious, and pairs nicely with the adrenaline of the colony. The whole experience hinges on that contrast—raw nature one minute, settled wine country the next.
What travellers say
- Gannet viewing so close you'll clock individual birds clearly
- Kumeu wine tasting adds elegant second half to nature outing
- Dramatic coastal scenery makes for sharp photography
- Family winery vibe feels authentic, not staged
- Air-conditioned transport bridges the two experiences
- Exposed Muriwai site—wind and cold can ambush unprepared visitors
- No meals or drinks included; budget extra or eat beforehand
- Not suitable for spinal, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns
- Breeding season timing crucial for chick-viewing luck
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
The gannet colony is genuinely unmissable if you're in Auckland and want wildlife without hours of travel. It's compact, visual, and works for most fitness levels. The winery leg adds a proper second act rather than feeling like filler, and learning how Kumeu's built its wine rep ties the region together. Small group size keeps it intimate.
Muriwai's exposed and windy—bring layers and sunscreen. Not suitable if you've got spinal issues, pregnancy, or significant cardiovascular concerns. Infants have to stay on an adult's lap in the vehicle. Neither coffee nor lunch is included, so eat beforehand or budget for food separately. The colony's best in breeding season (roughly September to March), so timing matters. Walking at Muriwai is minimal but involves uneven cliff-top ground. Peak times mean more people jostling for platform space.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.