Off the Beaten Track to... Muriwai Beach
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.