Just a 50 minute drive west of Auckland, lies the fabulous Muriwai Beach New Zealand. The long black sand Muriwai Beach is perfect for a day of fun, and to stay late and capture a wide angle sunset. The cliffs overlooking the beach are home to a colony of nesting Gannet seabirds, who are far more entertaining than you ever thought possible.
Muriwai Beach
As one of the beaches near Auckland, Muriwai is fairly busy during the New Zealand summer season. Prime parking spaces close to the water fill up, but we found there was plenty of spillover parking on the streets. Despite the volume of visitors, the large size of Muriwai Beach doesn’t make your day of fun feel crowded.
Surfing is likely the most popular past time on the west facing Muriwai Beach. You’ll see plenty of swimmers, beach combers, and loungers along the wide beach. It’s easy to make a day at Muriwai with Sand Dunz Beach Cafe just a short walk from the beach. Even the dogs get to enjoy, and we saw plenty out walking along the sand flats.
Interested in more North Island, New Zealand things to do? Go here: New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary
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Muriwai Beach Gannet Colony
The Gannet Colony on the cliffs above the beach is a destination in and of its own. You’ll find these active sea birds nesting at Muriwai Beach between August and March each year. From the car park, follow the signs past the beach, and up a short trail to viewing platforms and interpretive signs. You’ll hear and smell the Gannet Colony as you get closer!
The viewing platforms give you an up close experience with these trusting Gannets. You’ll see a wide range of chick sizes across the nesting area, and possibly even spy a freshly hatched chick like we did! The adults don’t seem to mind that you are standing so close and viewing their families.
The mating pairs take turns flying out to the ocean to hunt for food. Upon their return, the adult swoops in with an incredible act of gracefulness to return to their exact nesting spot. The arrival is complete with a beautiful courtship display of hopping and neck rubbing between the adults.
We found that watching the Gannet colony is mesmerizing for both children and adults! There is so much activity going on in front of such a spectacular cliff setting. There are two viewing platforms to watch the Gannets from. If you find that one is too stinky, the wind will most likely be in your favor at the other.
Muriwai Beach Accommodation
We were excited to find Muriwai accommodation just a few minutes walk from the beach at Muriwai Beach Campground. We were tent camping throughout our trip on the North Island, and the campground has plenty of unpowered camping spots. There are also powered spots for campervans, plus the campground also has Muriwai cabins for rent.
The facilities at Muriwai Beach Campground were the nicest we found during our entire New Zealand road trip. The bathrooms, showers, and kitchen are newly renovated with lots of special features. An actual hot shower, a huge kitchen area, and cute communal eating area were so nice to enjoy.
Muriwai Beach Campground:
- Distance From Muriwai: 5 minute walk
- Unpowered camping sites: Adult $20, Child $10 per night
- Powered camping sites: Adult $22, Child $10 per night. Minimum $44/night
- Cabins: Beginning at $85/night
Muriwai Sunset
One of the perks of staying right at Muriwai camping was the sunset! There are plenty of places along the beach to settle in and watch the sun sneak below the horizon. The sounds of the Gannet colony and seeing them duck in and out of the colorful sky was an added bonus.
Plenty of Fun at Muriwai Beach
Whether you are looking for a full day of beach fun, to see the exciting Gannet colony, or a little of both, Muriwai Beach has it all. Stay overnight, or spend some time while passing through. Either way, make sure Muriwai Beach is on your list of North Island stops.
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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through the links, we receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, but purchases will never cost you extra.
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