muriwai gannet colony

Its just a short climb from the beach to the viewing point for the gannets. You'll know when you're near as the smell is quite pungent and the noise from all the hungry chicks. The view points are well placed to get a great view of the colony.

Huge gannet colonies overlooking beautiful black sand beaches. Well worth a drive. Local signs can be a bit difficult to follow to find the location.

On Sat., Feb. 14th, we took Northern Hemisphere visitors to Muriwai to visit the Gannet Colony and experience Auckland's west coast. The gannets and their chicks of all stages are fascinating to watch - the slight fishy aroma is just a natural accompaniment with so many birds. I think the morning, with the light coming from the east, is the best time to be at Muriwai. The long, iron-sand beach stretches north forever, with the lines of breakers rolling continuously ashore. After our trek up the headland to view the close-packed birds and watch as they swooped in and out, looking after the nestlings, our visitors couldn't wait to get down to the wet sand and take off their footwear. People, bright surf-boards, made quite a scene reflected in the wide, flat expanse where waves had retreated. For locals or visitors, this is a great place to visit. Off the beach there are several parking areas, picnic spots, cafes, play areas, so a drive to the 'Wild West' is a top choice for everyone.

Always worth a visit.We took some overseas friends there on SaturdayMarvellous scenery the roaring waves the graceful swooping Gannetts.See the newborn down covered Gannett chicks with their mothers in attendance.A shortish walk with some steps but suitable for most visitors.Breathtaking views.You can look along towards Muriwai Beach and spot the surfers trying to catch waves.See the power of the Tasman Sea breaking against the rocks.Recommended.

New Zealand is really a haven! It has a lot of nice tracks for those who enjoy nice walk and hiking.The greatest attraction at Muriwai Beach is the Gannet Colony. From August to March each year you can watch the busy comings and goings of the gannets.Enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of nature.

This is an exciting place to watch the nesting gannets, and see dramatic cliffs, rocks, waves and a blow hole. It is especially fun for photographers. We came on a stormy day at high tide, and there was drama wherever we looked!

What a fantastic opportunity. It's not often that you will find a rookery or similar natural observatory in such an easily accessible location. I find it fascinating watching the progress of the developing chicks until the inevitable first step off the cliff edge. Not for those with queasy stomachs as there is an element of carnage. There is death on display and the accompanying strong smells. Also the smell that results from that many birds going to the toilet will curl your nose hairs. An amazing slice of life and survival.

Very accessible view of the large gannet colony and during the correct time of the year you will see them nesting with chicks which was great. The walk around the various colonies was good and if you go at high tide you will see the impressive blowhole in action. Great views over the surrounding cliffs. The signposting is a bit iffy from the lower car park, so best to park at the top rather than the beach. Worth a visit when in the area.

Just loved the gannets here and your proximity to them which is so unusual ......I thought it was awesome watching the chicks opening their wings and finding their feet. A really beautiful spot to watch birds , the surfers and have a nice cup of coffee. The staff in the visitors centre were really helpful too.

I came here several times, mainly on school trips. It's beautiful and accessible. The climb up is easy and around the area is cafés, tolite and parks ect so good for children. The gannets are fantastic and the area is also amazing! The self standing cliff where they are used to be attached to the big part of the cliff, so it's amazing to view erosion that extreme. In saying that it is generally quite of tourists, not polluted and is well looked after. I'm currently in Thailand and have visited the tourist areas (pipi islands ect) and am amazed at the pollution, exploitation of resources and number of tourists. It makes it not worth it in many ways. Nz and this location also is not at all like that!

We visited during the new year holiday. The weather was perfect though a little windy. It was amazing to see these beautiful creatures up close. They are so elegant in the air. The chicks are adorable in their down, each staying with their parents (although some of them are almost as big as the adults). The adults take turn feeding the babies. Wonderful nature!The beach is beautiful and expansive. We finished the walk at the ice cream shop- made it more perfect.Would do it again.

An unusual opportunity to see nesting (and flying and feeding) gannets. Seriously majestic birds, it's worth visiting whether you're particularly into birds or not, you can't fail to be impressed, and Muriwai beach is just spectacular.

I am an Aucklander and travel overseas each year looking for things of interest. Well last Sunday we went out to Muriwai to see the Gannets. I was so enthralled by this that I didn't want to leave. The chicks were still there covered in their downy fluff and they were only a few metres from us. The sea was a beautiful backdrop to the breeding ground. If you are into surfing then this could also keep you happy. We also watched some paragliders(?) as they took off from the cliff beside us and soared through the air sometimes just sitting almost motionless above us. This was worth the trip and would recommend it to fellow kiwis and overseas travellers alike.

This is a hidden gem. Like visiting a David Attenborough documentary for real :-O We were thrilled to see the gannets with their big fluffy chicks so close. The sounds were amazing (the smell not so great) but WOW!!!!! Amazing views and really worth the hike up the hill. Don't forget your camera.

We stayed at a nearby motorcamp the night before. Woke up to the sound of crashing waves and took a short walk to the beach. We were wowed by the view! The first thing that came to me was that this was the perfect setting for a "pirates of the Caribbean" movie! The sand was black gold, sparkling under the sun. The waves were roaring outside the shores and the extending shoreline covered in morning mist was beautiful. In the morning there were not many tourists and makes for a great walk along the beach. Behind the sand dunes away from the beach, the are also short trails through beautiful flora and fauna that makes do scenic peaceful walks.