Waipoua Forest Twilight Encounter

North Island

Footprints Waipoua

from

NZ$115

per adult

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Guests and guide holding a lantern during a night tour in front of Tāne Mahuta in Waipoua Forest

Experiences

History and Māori Culture

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: The Sands Hotel, State Highway 12, Omapere

Location: Opononi

Travel Time: 4 hours

Minimum Age: 5

Details

Discover the Spirit of Waipoua Forest

As dusk settles over Waipoua Forest, a local Māori guide leads you through towering kauri trees that have watched centuries pass. The gentle hush of the forest deepens as shadows stretch across the forest floor, revealing an ancient world alive with song and legend. Every step on the soft track connects you to the heart of Māori tradition, where stories are whispered through the rustling leaves.

The Twilight Encounter begins with a karakia, a prayer that pays respect to the spirit of Tāne Mahuta, the guardian of the forest. Under the fading glow of twilight, the mighty kauri trees seem to breathe with wisdom and presence. It’s a time of reflection, where nature and culture blend to create a truly moving experience in one of Aotearoa’s most sacred places.

Family experiencing twilight forest tour at Waipoua with torchlight

Māori guide gesturing toward native plants in Waipoua Forest during a nature walk in Northland

Small group on a guided tour in Waipoua Forest looking up at the native canopy in Northland

Couple standing on a wooden viewing platform looking up at Tāne Mahuta, the largest living kauri tree in Waipoua Forest

Visitor standing in front of a towering kauri tree surrounded by dense native forest in Waipoua

Māori guide sharing knowledge about native plants with a visitor during a forest walk in Waipoua, Northland

Towering kauri tree viewed from below during a twilight forest encounter in Waipoua, Northland

Visitor listening to a Māori guide beside a large kauri tree on a twilight forest walk in Waipoua, Northland

Tāne Mahuta giant kauri tree in Waipoua Forest, Northland

A Journey Through Time and Nature

During this four-hour guided walk, you’ll meet Tāne Mahuta, the largest kauri in the world, and Te Matua Ngāhere, known as the Father of the Forest. Each ancient giant tells a silent story of endurance, growth, and the deep connection between people and nature. Your guide’s tales and waiata (songs) bring these trees to life, reminding you of their vital role in New Zealand’s natural heritage.

Available throughout the year, the Twilight Encounter offers a unique way to see the forest transform from light to night. Seasonal departure times ensure every tour captures Waipoua’s best moods—whether bathed in golden summer light or cloaked in the stillness of winter evenings. It’s a journey that stays with you long after you leave, a soulful encounter with the living legacy of Aotearoa.

INCLUSIONS

Guided Tour with Māori Cultural Insights: Experience a night tour of Waipoua Forest with a knowledgeable local Māori guide, including captivating stories, legends, and songs.
Meet the Iconic Kauri Giants: Encounter the oldest and largest kauri trees, such as Tāne Mahuta and Te Matua Ngāhere (subject to track availability).
Immersive Forest Experience: Walk through easy tracks surrounded by unique evergreen flora, connecting with the forest’s spiritual and cultural significance.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Tour Schedule: The tour lasts 4 hours, departing at 6 PM (October–March) or 5 PM (April–October).
Suitability:
- Not suitable for those with walking disabilities, back injuries, or significant health concerns.
- Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not accessible.

AGE INFORMATION

Adult: 13 years +
Child: 5-12 years
4 years and under: Not recommended

CANCELLATION & REFUNDS*

More than 24 hours before travel: Full refund**
Within 24 hours: No refund

Note: **Excludes credit card or payment fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.*

Frequently asked questions

Your clothing should match the time of year you’re visiting. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and always bring a warm jacket. During winter months (June, July, August), wet weather gear and a rain jacket are recommended.

This tour may be too long for children under 5 years old, based on past experiences.

Tours depart from The Sands Hotel, State Highway 12, Omapere, which is about 4 km from Opononi. We offer a free pickup service from other local accommodations. Pickup times are 5:30 PM (September–April) and 4:30 PM (April–September).

Tours proceed in the rain unless there are extremely windy conditions, in which case the tour would be cancelled for safety.

Although Kiwi sightings and sounds have been enjoyed on previous tours, we cannot guarantee this experience.

Opononi and Omapere are approximately a one-hour drive from the Bay of Islands or Paihia. Self-driving is the only transportation option available.

Meals are not included in the tour price, and eating during the tour is not allowed. You can arrange an early meal directly with The Sands Hotel before the tour by notifying them of your plans to join the Footprints Waipoua Twilight Encounter.

No, we do not offer pickup services from Paihia.