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Muriwai Beach

Oceania

New Zealand

The Muriwai Gannet Colony, located at 428 Motutara Road in Muriwai, Auckland, New Zealand, is a stunning natural attraction renowned for its breathtaking coastal views and vibrant birdlife. This unique site is one of the few places in New Zealand where visitors can observe Australasian gannets nesting on the mainland, making it a must-visit for birdwatching enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With easy access from Auckland, this scenic spot is perfect for a day trip, offering an unforgettable experience amidst the beauty of New Zealand's west coast.

Situated just under an hour's drive from Auckland, the Muriwai Gannet Colony is easily accessible for both locals and tourists. The colony is nestled within the scenic Muriwai Beach area, known for its striking black-sand beaches and rugged cliffs. Nearby attractions include the Te Henga Walkway, which offers stunning coastal views and is ideal for hiking enthusiasts.

The Muriwai Gannet Colony offers several amenities to enhance your visit, including:

Well-maintained viewing platforms for close-up birdwatching.

Easy access with ample parking available.

Short walking paths leading to the viewing areas, suitable for families.

The best time to visit the Muriwai Gannet Colony is between August and March, when the gannets are nesting and you can witness their fascinating behaviors. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery and the dramatic diving techniques of these remarkable birds.

Seaside retreat featuring a coastline with black-sand beaches & a gannet breeding ground.

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places/ChIJe_Ms7LByDW0RMFI_NQ0ltrg/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNfanA3NFRnEAE

Enjoyed our visit today in January. Beautiful weather, definitely needed a hat and sunscreen. Easy parking at lot, then a short concreted wide path, most of the way, a short dip through shaded bush to the timber viewing platforms. Ocean view was gorgeous. Interesting to see so many fluffy baby gannets being looked after by their mums. Few birds sitting on nests. Strong smell of guano, but not unbearable.   Worthwhile trip about 1hr 10mins from South
Auckland

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places/ChIJe_Ms7LByDW0RMFI_NQ0ltrg/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfa2VqdVF3EAE

Beautiful spot to see Gannets in there natural habitat.. they’ve chosen this spot since it’s easy for them to take off and land to their nesting site. It’s about a 50 min drive from Auckland, so definitely worth a visit. They are very interesting!

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places/ChIJe_Ms7LByDW0RMFI_NQ0ltrg/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfOHNLTVJBEAE

Excellent location to see some wildlife. Best from August - March before they head back to sea. Don't feed the birds and stay on path. Plenty of parking space and easy 5-10 minute walk to lookout.

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Amazing place! You can see so many Gannets here enjoying their lives. If you plan to go here, please go with sunset. It's the best view. You will see all the birds returning to their nests and seeing the Gannets meet eachother is so fun to watch.

Best time to visit: October - March.

Plenty of parking available.

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The Muriwai Gannet Colony is a remarkable natural attraction located just under an hour's drive from Auckland. It’s one of the few places in New Zealand where you can see Australasian gannets nesting on the mainland, making it a unique spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Breeding Season: The colony is active from August to March, with around 1,200 pairs of gannets nesting on the cliffs and two nearby islands. During this time, you can observe the fascinating behaviors of these birds, including their dramatic diving techniques when hunting for fish.
Viewing Platforms: There are well-placed viewing platforms that offer excellent views of the gannets up close. However, access to these platforms may be restricted due to weather-related damage, so it's good to check ahead before your visit.
Scenic Walks: The area around Muriwai is also great for walking. The Te Henga Walkway offers stunning coastal views and is a fantastic way to explore the rugged landscape.
Tips for Visiting
Best Time to Visit: Plan your visit between October and January to see the gannet chicks as they hatch and grow.
Photography: Bring your camera! The views of the coastline and the gannets in action are perfect for photography.
Safety: Be cautious near cliff edges and follow any posted guidelines to ensure a safe experience.
Muriwai Gannet Colony is not just about the birds; it’s also about enjoying the breathtaking scenery of New Zealand's west coast. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a beautiful day out, this spot is definitely worth a visit!

Explore Muriwai Gannet Colony: Scenic Wildlife Spot in Auckland

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Muriwai Gannet Colony is a stunning coastal attraction located in Waitakere, Auckland, New Zealand, featuring breathtaking views and a gannet breeding ground. Visitors can enjoy the wild beauty of Muriwai Beach and observe thousands of gannets in their natural habitat.

Muriwai Gannet Colony

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Muriwai Gannet Colony is a stunning coastal attraction located on the rugged cliffs of the west coast of New Zealand, offering breathtaking views and a sanctuary for thousands of gannets. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, birdwatching, and the beauty of Muriwai Beach.

Discover the Muriwai Gannet Colony, a stunning coastal attraction in Waitakere, Auckland, New Zealand, featuring breathtaking views and wildlife.

Explore Muriwai Gannet Colony: Scenic Wildlife Spot in Auckland

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