Muriwai Beach: gannets, black sand and a wild surf coast
Muriwai is a long black-sand surf beach on Auckland's west coast, roughly 45 minutes' drive from the city, with a gannet colony on the headland. It is beautiful and it is dangerous to swim at, so read the safety page before you go.
Gannet colony guideBeach safety first
- Independent guide, not the council or the surf club
- Safety facts checked against Surf Life Saving NZ, November 2026
- Updated November 2026
Photo: James Youn jamez_youn96, CC0
Muriwai Beach sits on the Tasman Sea side of Auckland, at the end of Muriwai Road past Kumeu and Waimauku. The beach runs for kilometres in dark volcanic sand, the dunes behind it are part of Muriwai Regional Park, and at the northern end a headland holds one of the most accessible mainland gannet colonies in the world.
Most people come for one of three things: the gannets, a walk on the sand, or the sunset. All three are easy. The one thing that is not easy is the water, which is why we put beach safety at the top of the guide rather than at the bottom.
What to do at Muriwai
- Walk to the viewing platforms at the gannet colony and on to Maori Bay for its ancient pillow lava.
- Take a horse trek on the black sand or a surf lesson with a local school (see things to do).
- Wait for the light at the end of the day: sunset photography at Muriwai.
- Walk the Te Henga Walkway as far as it is open.
- Compare Muriwai with Piha and Bethells if you are choosing between west-coast beaches.
Planning your visit
Muriwai has no public transport, so most visitors drive. The getting there page covers the route, parking and a car rental option. If you do not drive, tours from Auckland cover the west coast, though few go to Muriwai itself, and we explain that honestly on the page. For where to stay, west Auckland has many options, and Muriwai itself has a campground inside the regional park.
Safety first: Muriwai is an exposed surf beach. Swim only between the red and yellow flags, and only when lifeguards are on duty. Never fish from the rocks near the gannet colony without a lifejacket. Details and sources are on the beach safety page.
Not sure when to go? See the best time to visit Muriwai.
See Muriwai activities on GetYourGuideHorse trek, surf lessons and west-coast tours
Frequently asked questions
Is Muriwai Beach safe to swim at?
Only between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on duty. Muriwai is an exposed surf beach with rips, and Surf Life Saving NZ says most serious incidents happen outside patrol hours and outside the flags. If there are no flags, do not swim.
How far is Muriwai from Auckland, and is there a bus?
About 44 km, roughly 40 to 50 minutes by car via State Highway 16. We found no public transport to Muriwai, so you need a car, a rideshare or a tour. Check Auckland Transport's journey planner for any change.
When can you see the gannets at Muriwai?
Birds are at the colony from roughly August to March, with chicks visible around December and January. The colony is largely empty around May to July.
Is this the official Muriwai website?
No. Muriwaibeach.com is an independent travel guide. We are not Auckland Council, the Department of Conservation or the Muriwai Volunteer Lifeguard Service.
Plan your Muriwai trip
Gannet colony
Muriwai gannet colony guide: birds present about August to March, peak with chicks Dec and Jan, Waitea Road parking, the Maukatia track and what to check first.
Read guide
Getting there
Muriwai is about 44 km from central Auckland, 40 to 50 minutes via State Highway 16. No public transport found; parking at Motutara Road and Waitea Road.
Read guide
Beach safety
Is Muriwai safe to swim? Swim only between the red and yellow flags when lifeguards are on duty. Rip advice, patrol season and rock-fishing rules, with sources.
Read guide
Things to do
Things to do at Muriwai: gannet colony, black-sand beach walks, Maori Bay pillow lava, horse trek, surf lesson, Te Henga walk, sunset photography and camping.
Read guide
Tours
Day trips and tours from Auckland: Muriwai horse trek and surf lesson, Piha and Waitakere Ranges tours, Waitomo glowworms. Halal-friendly picks with ratings.
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Where to stay
Where to stay for Muriwai Beach: the beach campground, Kumeu and Waimauku, Piha, or Auckland city. Live map of stays with prices from our partner.
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Best time to visit
Best time to visit Muriwai: gannets August to March (peak December and January), lifeguard patrols late October to April, and what the west coast is like off season.
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Horse riding
Horse riding at Muriwai Beach: guided treks on black sand and through Woodhill Forest, beginner-friendly options, what to book ahead and what we could not verify.
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Fishing
Fishing at Muriwai Beach: surf casting from the sand and rock fishing risks. Lifejacket, tide and swell rules from Surf Life Saving NZ and Water Safety NZ.
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Maori Bay
Maori Bay at Muriwai: ancient pillow lava recognised as a world geoheritage site, sea caves and a blowhole below the gannet colony, and why not to swim here.
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Te Henga Walkway
Te Henga Walkway links Muriwai and Bethells Beach but can no longer be walked end to end after cliff collapses. Which section is open and what to check first.
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Sunset photography
Muriwai sunset photography: a west-facing beach with gannet and cliff foregrounds. Best viewpoints, gate closing times and safety around the cliffs and surf.
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West-coast beaches
Muriwai vs Piha vs Bethells: drive times from Auckland, what each beach is known for, and which to pick if you only have time for one. Safety applies to all three.
Read guide