Muriwai Beach: Gannet Colony and Coastal Walks

Muriwai Beach combines black sand with a rugged, mountainous coastline shaped by the wind and interrupted by streams and rivers. The beach is one of New Zealand’s most striking black-sand surf beaches; the coastline stretches for 60 kilometres. Several features shape a visit: the seasonal gannet colony, waves and wind on the beach, and tracks through bushland and dunes. This selection offers different reasons to explore Muriwai. If you’re looking for accommodation, first consider whether wildlife watching, activities on the water or walking trails should be the focus of your trip.

Gannet Colony and Coastal Views

At the southern end of Muriwai Regional Park lies Otakamiro Point, home to one of the few gannet breeding colonies on New Zealand’s mainland. About 1,200 pairs of gannets breed in Muriwai each year, from August to March; visitors can observe the colony during this period. If you want to see the gannets, plan your trip around this seasonal window.

A short walking track next to the car park leads to a viewing platform directly above the main area of the colony. Several tracks in the regional park pass through native bush; viewpoints offer views of the beach and the seasonal gannet colony. This gives you two different ways to experience the park: a short walk to a specific viewpoint or tracks through the bush with coastal views.

Waves, Wind and Walking Trails

Muriwai Beach has various surf breaks and waves for different experience levels. Kitesurfing is also possible; the wind keeps the kite airborne there for longer periods. The distinction is clear when choosing: surfing is about the different breaks, waves and experience levels, while kitesurfing is about the wind effect described. The term surf break refers to the place where a wave breaks for surfing.

Blokarts can be hired by the hour from Muriwai Surf School. As availability may change, it’s best to check what’s on offer before your trip. Muriwai Beach is also used for surfcasting. Several tracks run along the beach through the surrounding coastal bushland and dunes. Muriwai Regional Park also has a designated, sand-based loop track through the Five Mile Strip. Check the official guidance on access and permits for this loop track before your visit.

Choose Accommodation Based on Your Itinerary

Also decide which beach or trail activities will shape your stay; this will help you search for a hotel or other accommodation that fits your itinerary. If hiring a Blokart or walking the sand-based loop track is part of your plans, check availability or the official access guidance in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Tuakau, Puhoi, Stanmore Bay, Newmarket, Orewa, Onetangi, Ellerslie, Mangere.

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