2025 Muriwai Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

| A Dreamland of Nature 🌊Auckland Bird Island | A Dreamland of Nature✨ 🐦A Bird Paradise: Auckland Bird Island is a kingdom for birds! It is a gathering place for gannets. From August to March every year, about 1,200 pairs of gannets come here to nest and roost. When you climb up to the viewing platform, you will be amazed by the sight of thousands of gannets densely distributed on the reefs. They have pale yellow heads, pointed beaks, and black edges on their wings and tail wings. They pair up and snuggle with each other, like a guard of honor in white dresses. The nests are close to each other, but they are orderly and do not interfere with each other. It's amazing! 🌅Beautiful Sunset: Bird Island is even more breathtaking in the evening! The afterglow of the sunset shines on the sea, sparkling, and the whole sky is dyed orange-red, contrasting with the black sand beach and white gannets, creating a picturesque scene. Photography enthusiasts should not miss this great shooting opportunity, as any random shot can produce a masterpiece! 🌊Magnificent Coastline: The coastline here is rugged and magnificent, with surging waves constantly hitting the reefs on the shore, splashing high water. Standing on a high place and looking out, the sea and sky are the same color, making people feel relaxed and happy. Moreover, it is also a paradise for surfing enthusiasts. If you like surfing, don't miss the opportunity to ride the waves on Bird Island! 🚗Convenient Transportation: Bird Island is about 45 km from downtown Auckland, and it takes less than an hour to drive there, which is very convenient.

| A Romantic Date with Nature. Encounter Auckland's Bird Island | A Romantic Date with Nature 💕 As you step onto this land, the sea breeze carries the scent of the ocean, a salty and free aroma 🌊. In the distance, the azure sky and the vast ocean embrace at the horizon, while white waves continuously kiss the shore, creating a beautiful melody. Bird Island, as the name suggests, is a paradise for birds 🕊. Thousands of white birds perch and soar here. Some rest leisurely on the rocks, while others glide gracefully across the sky. The chirping of birds intertwines, as if nature is performing a grand concert. Standing on the observation deck, overlooking this spectacular scene, one feels awe and emotion, as if time has stopped for this moment. Walking along the coastline, the fine and soft sand beneath your feet feels like stepping on clouds ☁. Surrounding you are oddly shaped rocks, sculpted by time and waves into unique forms, quietly telling stories of the changing seas. At Auckland's Bird Island, you can truly feel the power of nature and the miracle of life. Everything here seems like a treasure bestowed by nature, pure and beautiful, making it hard to leave.

Muriwai Beach, located on the west coast of Auckland’s North Island, is a dramatic and wild stretch of black sand coastline, known for its rugged beauty, surf culture, and the iconic gannet colony. It’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking for outdoor adventures or a scenic coastal getaway. Muriwai Beach is a hotspot for surfers, offering consistent surf breaks that attract both beginners and experienced surfers. Surf schools operate in the area, offering lessons and board rentals. The waves can be powerful, typical of the west coast, making it an exciting destination for surfing enthusiasts. In addition to surfing, Muriwai is a popular destination for kitesurfing and paragliding. The strong winds and open space make it an ideal spot for adrenaline junkies looking for some excitement on the water or in the air. While Muriwai is great for adventure, it's important to note that the beach can have strong rips and currents. There are lifeguards on duty during the summer months in the patrolled swimming areas, so it’s best to swim between the flags. Muriwai Beach is one of the few places in New Zealand where you can drive along the beach, with four-wheel-drive vehicles allowed on the sand at certain times. However, it’s important to follow local regulations and check tide times to avoid getting stuck in soft sand or rising tides. Muriwai Beach has basic amenities such as toilets, picnic tables, and BBQ areas. There are also a few cafés and accommodation options nearby for those wanting to stay longer and explore the area in depth. Muriwai Beach offers a unique combination of rugged natural beauty, adventure sports, and fascinating wildlife. Whether you're there to surf, hike, or simply enjoy the stunning coastal views, it's a destination that showcases the wild, untamed spirit of New Zealand's west coast.

#traveldiaries Auckland is not just about city life; its proximity to some of New Zealand’s most stunning beaches is what makes it truly special. I took a drive to the rugged west coast to visit Piha and Muriwai, two of the most famous beaches in the region. Piha is a surfer’s paradise, with its wild waves and iconic Lion Rock standing guard over the black sand beach. It’s also a great spot for hiking, with the nearby tracks offering amazing views of the coastline. Muriwai Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs and resident gannet colony, is another must-see. The sight of hundreds of gannets nesting along the cliffs is an extraordinary wildlife experience, and the coastal views are equally impressive. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of dolphins playing in the surf.

If you come to Auckland, the place I recommend the most is Bird Island. Bring some food, water, surfing equipment, you can stay from sunrise to sunset, it's incredibly beautiful. If you like to catch sea, you can also pick up some mussels to come back, natural and pollution-free seafood, but one person cannot exceed 25, you have to watch the tide rise and fall time, safety first