Muriwai Beach

Muriwai Beach is a beautiful, wild beach on the west coast of Auckland. The beach is about 45 minutes' drive from the CBD, and it's easily accessible by car. 

Muriwai is one of New Zealand's most impressive black-sand surf beaches due to its 60 km of windswept, mountainous coastline that is only broken up by streams and rivers.  

Muriwai Beach is a popular spot for surfers of all skill levels and those who want to learn how to surf. There are a variety of breaks and waves to suit different abilities. Learners tend to stay on the main beach, but if you're an experienced surfer looking for a challenge, it is worth visiting Maori Bay, just around the corner. It is much smaller than Muriwai Beach, but it is where you can find the advanced surfers. The waves are rough, so you'll have to know what you're doing if you want to catch one of these beauties. 

If surfing isn't your thing, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy here. The beach is home to a variety of wildlife, including a gannet colony, making it perfect for birdwatching. There are clifftop platforms that overlook the gannet colonies, which you can see from August to March when the colony is around and offer sweeping views out to the Tasman Sea. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, the beach is ideal for hiking and exploring. There are several trails on the beach that take you through the surrounding coastal bush and dunes. Muriwai Beach is also a great spot for fishing, with many surfcasting from the beach.  

If you like kiteboarding, this is your place too! The wind here is strong enough to keep your kite in the air for hours—perfect for practising new tricks or trying out new equipment. 

Feeling hungry? Check out the Sand Dunz Beach Cafe around the corner. It is a really nice coffee shop that serves muffins, pies, smoothies, ice cream, and other yummy goodies. 

Overall, Muriwai Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a beautiful and unspoiled natural setting, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and adventure. Whether you're a surfer, birdwatcher, or just looking for a relaxing day by the sea, Muriwai Beach has something for everyone.