Glaciers in New Zealand
Maori children
Northland, New Zealand
Queen Charlotte Sound
Routeburn Track
Boating in Taupo
Tongariro, New Zealand
Wellington, New Zealand

Off the Beaten Track to... Muriwai Beach

Copyright: New Zealand Tourism Guide. Muriwai Beach, New Zealand

Just 10 minutes drive from the end of the North Western Motorway (42km northwest of Auckland and 17km west of Kumeu) - you'll find the small coastal community of Muriwai, also called Muriwa Beach. It's on the west coast of the Auckland region in the North Island and is best known for being the home of a large colony of gannets.

The beach is unbroken for 50km and extends from Muriwai to the mouth of the Kaipara Harbour. Muriwai and its neighbouring beaches (Piha and Karekare) get very busy during the New Zealand summer (December to February) when local Aucklanders head to the beaches, so we suggest visiting outside of these months if you want a more typical 'off the beaten track' experience.

Birds and Marine Life

The southern end of the beach is part of the Muriwai Regional Park. Here, in between Maukatia Bay and Muriwai Beach, is Otakamiro Point home to the gannet colony. This site has been identified as an 'Important Bird Area' by Birdlife International. It is an established breeding area for gannets. About 1,200 pairs of adult gannets nest here each summer and can be seen between August and March each year.

During spring (September – November), fur seals feed and rest some 1.6km off the coast at Oaia Island. You may be lucky and get a sighting.

Things to Do

  • Surfing at Maukatia (Māori Bay) and Muriwai Beach
  • Paragliding and hang gliding, especially when the prevailing sou-westerly wind provides favourable conditions
  • Fishing (although care must be taken as it's dangerous in many places)
  • Hiking and 'bush walking' – the 'Hilary Trail' passes through Muriwai
  • Driving along the beach
  • Surf boards, surfing lessons and sand yachts are available at the Muriwai Surf School
  • Mountain biking – mainly downhill and 'free ride' trails

Muriwai Regional Park

The park caters for a number of activities including golf (visit the Coast Rd golf course) and horse riding. The 5km stretch north of Okiritoto Stream is known as the 'Five Mile Strip' is perfect for both horse riding and walking. Horse riding can be booked with local operators.

Plan Your Muriwai Beach Holiday

To help plan your holiday at Muriwai Beach region choose from the main categories below:

More Off the Beaten Track Suggestions

If you want to discover some of New Zealand's hidden treasures, travel to some out-of-the-way places and see sites that many travellers and tourists miss out on, look at more of our ' Off the Beaten Track ' suggestions.

Featured
 
New Zealand Coach Tours

New Zealand Coach Tours

The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.

Featured
 
New Zealand Coach Tours

New Zealand Coach Tours

The largest range of escorted & small group tours

New Zealand road trips - Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand Road Trips

Let's go on an adventure

New Zealand self-drive tours

NZ Self-Drive Tours

Explore NZ on a custom self-drive package holiday

Bluebridge Ferry

Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries

Cross Cook Strait and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.

World Nomads Travel Insurance

Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for independent travellers.