Tour operator
Explore Group Auckland
Auckland sailing and cruise operator offering trips aboard an America's Cup yacht, harbour sailing, dinner cruises and whale and dolphin cruises in the Hauraki Gulf.
Bush and Beach
Small family-owned tour company running nature trips to Piha and the west coast rainforest, city highlights and wine country tours, with central hotel pick-ups.
At a glance
- Type
- Small-group nature, city and wine tours
- Area
- Auckland CBD (hotel pick-up), Auckland, New Zealand
- Official site
- bushandbeach.co.nz
Good to know
- City hotel pick-up
- Small groups
- Private tours
- Qualmark Gold
Why we recommend it
Bush and Beach is a small, family-owned tour company that has been running trips around Auckland for around four decades, and it describes itself as the longest-running eco tour company in New Zealand. Its very first tours were Wilderness Experience trips to Piha on the west coast, and nature remains at the heart of what it does.
The Wilderness Experience Nature Tour is still the signature trip. It runs in the afternoon and takes small groups out to Piha's black-sand beach and the surrounding rainforest, a good option for visitors without a car who want to see the wild west coast safely with a guide. The longer Coast and Rainforest Walking Day Tour includes lunch and more time on foot.
City and food options are also on the menu. Auckland City Revealed is a morning tour of the city's highlights, while Auckland Wine Country visits three wineries for tastings and includes lunch. A Taste of Auckland combines the city tour and wine country in one day, and Best of Both Worlds pairs the city with a nature excursion. The company also runs longer day trips to the Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Caves, including one-way trips between Auckland and Rotorua, and builds private itineraries for any group size, including multi-day plans.
Tours are run in small groups, in vehicles carrying between 3 and 21 passengers, and most have no minimum numbers. Pick-up and drop-off are included from city centre hotels for all Auckland day tours, and tour times are reconfirmed the day before.
The company's credentials are strong. It holds a Qualmark Gold award as a sustainable tourism business, has been named Best Small Tourism Company in New Zealand, and has been certified Toitū net carbon zero since April 2017. It also received a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice award in 2024.
Bush and Beach suits first-time visitors, nature lovers, wine enthusiasts and anyone who wants an expert guide to show them beyond the city centre. If you only have time for one trip, the afternoon nature tour to Piha shows a side of Auckland that is easy to miss. Book online or contact the team by phone or email at [email protected]; travellers inside New Zealand can use the freephone number 0800 42 32 24.
Bush and Beach FAQs
What is Bush and Beach's best-known tour?
The Wilderness Experience Nature Tour to Piha's beach and rainforest, which was the company's original trip.
Do tours include hotel pick-up?
Yes. Pick-up and drop-off are included from Auckland city centre hotels for all Auckland day tours.
How big are the groups?
Small. Vehicles carry between 3 and 21 passengers.
Is there a wine tour?
Yes. Auckland Wine Country visits three wineries with tastings and includes lunch.
Does Bush and Beach go to Hobbiton?
Yes, it runs day trips to the Hobbiton Movie Set, including combinations with Waitomo Caves.
Is the company sustainable?
It holds a Qualmark Gold award and has been certified Toitū net carbon zero since April 2017.
Can you book a private tour?
Yes, private tours are available for any group size, including multi-day itineraries.
How do you contact Bush and Beach?
Phone +64 9 837 4130, freephone 0800 42 32 24 within New Zealand, or email [email protected].