Visiting Muriwai Beach is like visiting a battleground between environmental forces. Tawhirimatea (Lord of the elements), often battles his brothers Tangaroa (Lord of the Sea) and Tane (Lord of the Forest).
This piece of black sand coastline in North West Auckland attracts surfers year round and is famous for it’s Takapu (Gannet) Colony. I have had the privilege of living here throughout the Covid Pandemic. There are definitely worse spots to spend a lockdown and I didn’t hesitate to include it in my Top 45 Things to Do in Auckland list.
Things to do while visiting Muriwai Beach
Upon arrival at the beach, take a dip! The water is lovely in summer and it’s great fun to jump through the waves and splash about. If you are a surfer, there are plenty of waves to catch.
Be sure to swim between the yellow and red flags even if you are confident in the water. Muriwai is infamous for its strong currents so a degree of caution is necessary. Swimming here ensures your safety as these are always set up in a safest part of the beach with minimal currents/rips.
Muriwai Beach Gannet Colony
The Gannet colony here at Muriwai is a must see. Right at the south end of the beach, built into the cliff is a staircase leading up to the cliffs above. The trail is called the Otakamiro Trail. This is where you will find the Takapu (Gannets). Follow the smell!
The Takapu community has grown from a small settlement of around 50 pairs to over 1000 couples. They love this area as it is away from most predators and wind patterns around the cliffs are perfect for taking off and landing. These seabirds mate for life and have a lifespan of approximately 20 years.
Takapu are the backpackers of the bird kingdom. They catch the wind on their first solo flight at about 4 months old and fly all the way to Aussie. They explore the southern Australian coastlines for a few years and return home between 3 – 7 years old ready to start a family.
If you keep following the Otakamiro Trail around passed the Gannet Colony, you will come to Maukatia Bay. Also known as Maori Bay. This beach is much smaller and more sheltered than Muriwai. Alot of the surfers hang out over here. Seals and Blue Penguins visit this area in the colder months.
Maui Dolphin
Maui Dolphin are the worlds smallest and rarest dolphin. You can spot these guys at both Maori Bay and Muriwai in the summer months.
These dolphins are critically endangered and are only found off the west coast of the North Island of NZ. They like shallow murky water and their distinctive rounded dorsal fin can sometimes be seen in the surf zone so keep an eye out. To protect them, there is a set net and trawl ban off the Muriwai coastline and beyond.
Hikes and Walks in the area
Another great thing about Muriwai is the abundance of bush walks. These include coastal walks, hikes to waterfalls, and walks through native Kauri forest. One thing to decide before setting off is how long you want to be out hiking for. There are short 20 minute walks like the Otakamiro Trail to the Gannets mentioned above right through to 4 hour walks like the Te Henga walkway.
For a shorter walk, it is worth checking out Woodhill Forest just behind Muriwai. Tracks start from the end of Coast Road and generally loop back to the carpark.
Goldie Bush Walkway is a longer walk clocking in at around 3 – 4 hours for the whole track. You can however just do a section. Access the track from either Constable Road or Horseman Road. The best way to cover the whole circuit is to do the Mokoroa Stream Track and then loop back to which ever carpark you started at.
The stream track eventually leads you to be Mokoroa Falls. Be aware that you you have to cross back and forward across the stream and will most lightly get a little wet. Wear suitable shoes or go barefoot. Kiwi Style!
Te Henga Walkway
Te Henga Walkway is a 10 km one way walk starting in Muriwai and finishing up in Bethells Beach. It takes roughly 3 1/2 hours and you will need to drop a car off in Bethells if you don’t want to do a return trip. The path follows the coast and is stunning.
The west coast is known to be wild and rugged and this is a perfect way to experience it. Be sure to check out Bethells Beach and Lake Wainamu once you arrive. This walk also starts from Constable Road.
Getting to and from Muriwai Beach
Muriwai is located 45 minutes from Auckland City. A car is required to get here. Alternatively you can catch public transport all the way to Waimauku, then hitchhike the last 15 minutes to the beach. There is a cafe down at the beach called Sand Dunz which does fish n chips and toasted sandwiches among other things. Coffee is better than average. Otherwise, save you pennies and bring your own lunch when visiting Muriwai Beach.
