Muriwai Regional Park sits on Auckland’s wild west coast about 50 kilometres northwest of the city — a dramatic stretch of black-sand surf beach backed by rugged dunes, native bush, and one of the most accessible gannet colonies in New Zealand. The park is best known for the Australasian gannet colony at Ōtakamiro Point, where around 1,200 pairs nest on the clifftops each season, but Muriwai is also a genuine surf beach, a regional park with picnic facilities and walking tracks, and a quick drive from Auckland for a west coast day out.
Practical Information
| Location | Muriwai Beach, approximately 50 km northwest of Auckland CBD via SH16 and Muriwai Road |
| Entry | Free |
| Gannet Colony Season | Gannets nest August to March. Colony is empty April–July |
| Gannet Track Access | Southern entrance (Maukatia Bay) open weekends; northern entrance (Motutara Road) currently closed — works planned March/April 2026. Check Auckland Council website before visiting |
| Swimming | Surf beach — check flags and lifeguard patrol times. Maukatia Bay (south end) offers more sheltered swimming |
| Facilities | BBQs, picnic tables, playground, small skate park, tennis courts, toilets. Mobile food vendors at Motutara Road car park |
| Dogs | On-leash on tracks; dogs permitted on the beach in designated areas |
About Muriwai Regional Park
Muriwai Beach stretches for over 60 kilometres along the west coast — one of the longest unbroken beaches in the Auckland region. The regional park itself occupies the southern end of the beach around Ōtakamiro Point and Maukatia Bay, where the headland shelters a more protected beach and provides the nesting ledges that the gannet colony depends on.
The beach is a proper west coast surf beach: black iron sand, powerful dumping waves, and strong rip currents. It is patrolled by lifeguards in summer, and swimmers should always stay between the flags. Outside the patrolled area, the surf is hazardous and drowning deaths have occurred. For calmer water, Maukatia Bay at the southern end of the park is noticeably more sheltered.
The Gannet Colony
The Australasian gannet colony at Ōtakamiro Point is one of the largest mainland colonies in New Zealand, and unusually accessible — the viewing platform brings you to within metres of nesting birds. Around 1,200 pairs nest here each season from August to March, and the activity during peak season is remarkable: birds landing, fighting for perching space, performing courtship displays, and feeding chicks. Gannets mate for life and return to the same nest site each year.
Access to the colony viewing area has been affected by ongoing track upgrade works. As of early 2026, the northern track entrance from Motutara Road is closed due to safety issues; works to upgrade the stairs, boardwalk and pathways are planned for March/April 2026 after nesting season ends. The southern entrance from Maukatia Bay is open on weekends. Check the Auckland Council website before visiting for current track status — conditions change seasonally.
Walking Tracks
Beyond the gannet colony walk, the park has a network of coastal and bush tracks around Ōtakamiro Point and the surrounding headland. The headland walks offer views north along the beach and south to Maukatia Bay. Track lengths range from short strolls (15–30 minutes) to a 2–3 hour coastal loop. Note that several sections are subject to the current track upgrade works — always check current status before setting out.
What Visitors Say
“The gannet colony is genuinely one of the most impressive natural spectacles near Auckland. You’re right there with hundreds of birds — the noise, the smell, the activity. Get there early in the season (August–September) for full colony activity.” — TripAdvisor reviewer
“Great beach for a west coast day trip. Black sand, big waves — not for swimming unless you’re confident, but beautiful to walk along. The gannet viewing platform is free and well set up.” — Google reviewer
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Muriwai Regional Park — official park page with current track closures, facilities and seasonal information.
Wikipedia — Muriwai — background on the beach, gannet colony history and the wider Muriwai area.
New Zealand Tourism — Muriwai Gannet Colony — overview of the colony and visiting tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see the gannets at Muriwai?
August to November is ideal — birds are actively nesting, courtship displays are happening and chicks are being raised. The colony is empty April to July.
Is the gannet track open?
Track access changes seasonally and due to upgrade works. As of early 2026, the northern entrance (Motutara Road) is closed; the southern entrance (Maukatia Bay) is open on weekends. Always check the Auckland Council website before visiting.
Is Muriwai Beach safe for swimming?
Swim only in the patrolled area between the flags. Muriwai is a powerful surf beach with strong rip currents. Maukatia Bay at the south end is calmer and more sheltered.
Are dogs allowed at Muriwai?
Dogs are permitted on the beach in designated areas and on-leash on walking tracks. Check current bylaws at the car park entrance.
How far is Muriwai from Auckland?
About 50 kilometres via SH16 and Muriwai Road — roughly 45 to 55 minutes by car from the city centre.
Is there food available at Muriwai?
Mobile food vendors operate from the Motutara Road car park (the former Sand Dunz Café site). No permanent café currently onsite — check current vendors before you go.
More Auckland Parks and Reserves
Muriwai sits at the northern end of the Waitākere coast — the broader Waitākere Ranges Regional Park covers the bush and tracks running south from here to Piha, Karekare and Bethells Beach. For the full network of parks across the region, browse Auckland parks and reserves.