Muriwai Beach: Black Sand and Gannet Colony

Muriwai Beach combines a striking coastal landscape with a special nature experience. At the southern end of Muriwai Regional Park lies Otakamiro Point, home to one of the few gannet breeding colonies on the New Zealand mainland. Muriwai is one of New Zealand’s most impressive black-sand surf beaches. The rugged, mountainous coastline shaped by the wind stretches for 60 kilometres and is broken up by streams and rivers.

Coastal Landscape and Gannet Colony

Around 1,200 pairs of gannets breed in Muriwai each year, from August to March. You can observe the colony during this period. If gannet watching is important to you, plan your trip for August to March. The colony is at Otakamiro Point; viewing points in the regional park offer views of the beach and the seasonal gannet colony.

The views of the birds and the character of the coast are two distinct reasons to discover Muriwai: here, a specific breeding site sits alongside an extensive coastal landscape shaped by wind and water. You can take both into account when planning, without equating the observation season with a particular length of stay.

Tracks Through Bush and Dunes

Several tracks in Muriwai Regional Park lead through native bush. Viewing points offer impressive views of the beach and the seasonal gannet colony. A short walking track beside the car park leads to a viewing platform directly above the main part of the colony. Follow the official access guidance when visiting.

Other tracks at Muriwai Beach lead through the surrounding coastal bush and dunes. Muriwai Regional Park also has a designated sand-based circuit through the Five Mile Strip. The track experiences described therefore differ primarily in their landscapes: native bush, coastal bush and dunes, or a sand-based circuit. This can help you consider which surroundings interest you most when planning your day.

Waves, Wind and Beach Activities

Muriwai Beach has various surf breaks and waves for different experience levels. Kitesurfing is also possible on the beach; the wind keeps the kite aloft for extended periods. The two activities involve different conditions: surfing focuses on the waves and breaks, while kitesurfing depends on the wind. This distinction can help you decide what to focus on during a beach visit.

Surfcasting is also practised at Muriwai Beach. Blokarts can be hired by the hour from Muriwai Surf School. Check availability before your trip. The range of activities therefore includes not only tracks and birdwatching, but also activities in the water and on the beach, as well as an hourly rental option.

Trip Planning and Finding Hotels

If you are looking for a hotel at Muriwai Beach, the main focus of your stay can help you choose when to travel: August to March is the relevant period for gannet watching; tracks, coastal scenery and beach activities offer further ideas for planning. Compare hotel offers for your travel dates and check the information provided by each accommodation for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Matakana, Whangaparaoa, Silverdale, Mauku, Dairy Flat, Waiwera, Leigh, Bethells Beach

For the broader travel overview: Auckland.