Muriwai Beach

Wild, rugged, and unforgettable, Muriwai Beach stretches along Auckland’s west coast with dramatic black sand, pounding surf, and sweeping clifftop views. Popular with surfers, walkers, and nature lovers, it’s also home to one of New Zealand’s only mainland gannet colonies, viewable from scenic lookouts between August and March. Just a 45-minute drive from the city, Muriwai offers a raw, untamed coastal experience that feels a world away from urban life.