Muriwai’s gannet colony is a one hour drive from the centre of Auckland. I drove here with the assumption that “there’s usually some gannets here” so it was such a shock after a brief walk, to find thousands of gannets flying and hanging around. This is one of only three places where gannets nest on the mainland in New Zealand, and certainly the most accessible.
The gannet colony on the rocky cliffs overlooking the stunning Muriwai beach is absolutely fascinating….even for the non birdy people! From August to March these birds occupy the rocks and cliffs around the Muriwai beach area where they are either preparing nesting areas for breeding, breeding or hatching and raising chicks.
This place is a heaven for photographer. If. you have a good telephoto lens, you will be rewarded with once in a lifetime shots of the birds soaring, cooing with their beaks, and their ungainly landings. Even if you are not a photographer, getting so close to hundreds of big gannets on their nests is a great experience
Muriwai Gannet Colony
Next to the car park, a short walking track leads to a viewing platform right above the main colony area. Out to sea, the colony continues on two vertical-sided islands. Muriwai is worth a visit on its own if you like beaches but the gannets provide double the value. The view down the beach is also magnificent from the gannet viewing areas. Muriwai can have surfers, kite surfers, land yachts, stand up paddle boarders, paragliders etc. And, of course, it is a beautiful black (iron) sand west coast beach.
Graceful Gannets
Watching these colonies of gannets from close-up on the viewing platforms was spellbinding. Its like watching a show from National Geographic. The gannets are incredibly graceful and beautiful birds that are rewarding to photographer.
We spent a lot of time watching and photographing the birds even though its very cold and windy on the platform. It is fascinating watching the birds come and leave, float in the air, dive into the ocean.
Sunset at Muriwai
We spend almost an hour and half watching the birds until the cold and wind gets to us. After driving and stopping at a public rest area, we decided to go back to the gannet colony again!! Its a great decision as we are welcomed back with the stunning sunset view at Muriwai. A great way to end this journey
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