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Zoos & Wildlife

Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society

📍 Tāwharanui Peninsula, Auckland

★4.7(29 Google reviews)

Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary on the Tāwharanui Peninsula is a predator-free open sanctuary where native birds roam freely. Walking tracks connect to pristine surf beaches. Volunteer planting days run through the year.

✓ Free-roaming native birds✓ Predator-free sanctuary✓ Pristine beaches✓ Walking tracks

🏆 Family Action Verdict

One of the few places in New Zealand where children encounter kākā and bellbirds in genuinely open surroundings rather than an enclosure. Pair a morning walk with the beach for a full day.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Early morning is peak birdwatching - bellbirds and kākā are most active before mid-morning
⏰Multiple walking tracks for different fitness levels and ages
🎟️Surf beach on site - check conditions before swimming
🚗Bring binoculars and a camera; described as a photographer's destination

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.7
★★★★★

29 Google reviews

5★
20
4★
8
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0

G Reviews from Google

S

Steve Gibbs

7 months ago

★★★★★

“Love this place. So many walking places and great surf beach.”

`

`Baby, be cool!`

4 years ago

★★★★★

“Truely a hidden wounder, So safe and well cared grounds, beaches facilities, the animals that live there are free to roam in safet. people respect the safe haven for all animals and leave it as they found it clean an tidy. Excellent job to those who work and care for this wounder. Thank you, love this this place.”

M

Murray Springer

3 years ago

★★★★★

“Awesome place to visit. Stunning beaches.”

📊 Commonly mentioned in Google reviews

Based on Google review tags

Beaches

4 reviews

Overview

Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary covers the entire Tāwharanui Peninsula, managed as a predator-free zone where kākā, bellbirds, kiwi and other native species roam across open grassland and regenerating bush. Multiple walking tracks of varying lengths lead to beaches on both coastlines, including a surf beach with open water views. Volunteer community planting days are held through the year. Pram-friendly access on some tracks.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday06:00-21:00
Tuesday06:00-21:00
Wednesday06:00-21:00
Thursday06:00-21:00
Friday06:00-21:00
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

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