Muriwai Gannet Colony is located at the southern end of Muriwai Beach on the west coast of Auckland, about a 1-hour drive from the city center. It covers a vast area and is one of the few places in New Zealand where you can see wild gannets up close on land. The habitat extends from the cliff top to two steep offshore islands. A short walk along the cliff-top trail from the parking lot leads to the viewing platform, where you can see the dense nests right before your eyes. From August to March of the following year, thousands of pairs of gannets nest and raise their chicks here. Nests are often only a few centimeters apart, yet the gannets can circle and slow down in the air, avoid the sharp beaks of neighboring birds, and land steadily back at their own nests. The island has a wide black sand beach. The fine sand is black due to iron content from ancient volcanoes and stretches for dozens of km to the north, making it one of the famous black sand beaches on Auckland's west coast.

Muriwai · 884m from downtown

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2026 Global 100 - Night Attractions

Sky Tower

8.7

4.6/5

1k reviews

As an iconic landmark of Auckland, the Sky Tower stands 328 m tall and is connected to other buildings, forming a massive city in the sky. The Sky Tower features three transparent elevators traveling at 18 km per hour, reaching the observation deck in just 40 seconds to overlook the entire Auckland cityscape. In the evening, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset and Auckland's night views. Beyond regular sightseeing, the tower also offers a range of high-altitude experiences. SkyWalk lets visitors walk on a handrail-free walkway around the tower exterior at 192 m high, led by a professional guide and secured with safety ropes, suitable for thrill-seekers. SkyJump involves jumping from 192 m along a guide cable, with descent speeds reaching approximately 85 km per hour. Group visitors can also join the Skyline climb activity, reaching about 300 m to overlook the city up close. Ascending the tower in the evening allows you to enjoy both the sunset and the city's night views in transition, with Auckland's skyline under changing light presenting a distinctive scene. △ Climb the 328 m Sky Tower △Overlooking the beautiful city night view △ Take on more exciting projects

Auckland · 29.2 km from Muriwai

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No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in New Zealand

Auckland Zoo

7.2

4.5/5

179 reviews

Auckland Zoo is one of New Zealand's leading zoos in terms of animal species and quantity, with approximately 130 species and over 2,000 animals living within the park. One of the zoo's highlights is the Te Wao Nui precinct, which occupies about one-fifth of the park's total area and brings together over 100 species of native New Zealand plants and approximately 60 species of native animals. At Auckland Zoo, you will experience an unforgettable wildlife journey. Home to approx. 130 species from New Zealand and around the world, the zoo is set in lush, natural-habitat-inspired environments that offer you the chance to get up close to amazing wildlife while learning about animal conservation and care. The zoo is ideal for families, couples, and nature lovers, combining education, entertainment, and an immersive environment for visitors to explore for a full day

Auckland · 25.6 km from Muriwai

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No. 14 of Best Things to Do in Auckland

Piha Beach

4.8

4.2/5

70 reviews

Piha Beach is one of the well-known black sand beaches on Auckland's wild west coast, known for its pristine appearance and rough seas. Located at the bottom of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park, Piha Beach is a great destination for sports enthusiasts and those looking for outdoor recreation. 1. The choice of sports and outdoor enthusiasts The wild waves of Piha Beach attract the challenge of experienced surfers, and surfers can surf to the fullest at this surfing spot. In addition to surfing and outing, you can also hike, fish, and eat, drink, and have fun in the beach community established by the owners and residents. It is a wonderful place to attract sports enthusiasts and those looking for outdoor leisure. 2. Watch the waves and get in touch with nature. Climb up Piha's iconic Lion Rock and watch the Maori carvings. Sitting magnificently between Piha Beach and Little Piha Beach, Lion Rock watches the rough waves day in and day out. 3. Abundant surrounding activities Take a stroll along the soft beach at dusk and take your camera here to capture the beautiful scenery. See the iconic architecture of Piha, the Lion Rock, standing proudly on the beach. Go surfing and viewing at other black sand beaches on the west coast, including Kerikeri, Tihengabefoss Beach, Muriwai, where the giant gannet colonies atop the cliffs.

Piha · 13.7 km from Muriwai

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Muriwai Beach

3.9

4.3/5

95 reviews

Muriwai Beach is located on the west coast of Auckland. It is a famous black sand beach in Auckland. Many surfers come here for water sports. Known for its gannet habitat, it is known as "Bird Island" by Auckland locals. 1. Watch the beautiful sea view from the lookout There are several short walks on the island. After walking through the bushes, you can reach the lookout, where you can enjoy the beautiful beach scenery. 2. Birds' habitat paradise Every year from August to March, there are about 1,200 pairs of gannets nesting here in pairs, and the scene is particularly spectacular. December and January are great seasons to watch young birds get their first wings. If you get up at four or five in the morning, you may see blue penguins and baby penguins. Sometimes seals are also encountered here basking in the sun. 3. A variety of activities can be experienced In addition, parachuting, water skiing, paragliding and other sports on the beach are also very popular with tourists, so you can try them out. There are toilets, accommodation and other supporting facilities on the island, as well as tennis courts, golf courses and cafes.

Muriwai · 1.2 km from downtown

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No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Auckland

Auckland War Memorial Museum

7.5

4.6/5

343 reviews

Auckland Museum is regarded as one of the finest Museums in the Southern Hemisphere and is renowned for its unique collection of Māori and Pacific treasures. It is also a war memorial for the Auckland province. Housed in one of the country's finest heritage buildings, the Museum tells the story of New Zealand as a nation; from award-winning natural history exhibits to galleries which investigate New Zealand's cultural origins. Scars on the Heart, the Museum's war memorial gallery, tells the story of New Zealand at war, while He Taonga Māori - the Museum's Māori treasures gallery, displays over 2,000 priceless Māori artefacts, including rare carvings and the last great Māori war canoe carved from a giant Totara tree. The Museum is home to an ever-evolving host of galleries and special exhibitions, including Tāmaki Herenga Waka, a contemporary gallery dedicated to the stories of Auckland and the people who call it home. The Imaginarium is the new children's gallery where learning is curiosity lead, and awe-inspiring.

Auckland · 30.7 km from Muriwai

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2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

7.8

4.4/5

315 reviews

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium is an aquarium converted from an abandoned underground sewage storage tank, completed by the New Zealand marine archaeologist Mr. Kelly Tarlton over approx. 10 months. SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium features 8 major exhibition themes, each with its own distinctive features. In the captivating winter wonderland, you can walk through the exhibition area into a viewing area at minus two degrees, to watch king penguins and gentoo penguins walking on artificial snow or diving underwater. You can also, inside the transparent acrylic view tunnel of SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium, feel the thrill of great sharks and devil rays swimming past you, and witness how the mighty large lobsters live in harmony with their neighbors. If you want to observe up close, you can put yourself in a cage and enter the shark viewing pool. △ Observe giant sharks up close △ Learn more about marine life in the Southern Hemisphere △ Watch the adorable feeding process of the king penguin and gentoo penguin flocks

Auckland · 34.1 km from Muriwai

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No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Auckland

Skydive Auckland Ltd.

5.3

5.0/5

4 reviews

Auckland skydiving will take you to experience the thrill of free fall, gliding in the air overlooking the city of Auckland and its surrounding vast scenery. The base is fully equipped, and there are a large number of experienced skydiving instructors, so there is no need to worry about safety issues.

Parakai · 20.7 km from Muriwai

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No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Auckland

Weta Workshop Unleashed

6.8

4.5/5

19 reviews

Weta Workshop UnleashedActually located in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, not Auckland, this is a globally renowned film special effects and prop production company. Visitors can personally experience the prop-making process, touch props, take photos, and even try out some fun props themselves. Additionally, knowledgeable guides lead in-depth explorations of various props and models in the studio.

Auckland · 29.3 km from Muriwai

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Auckland Whale & Dolphin Tour

6.4

3.2/5

31 reviews

A speedboat specially designed for watching dolphins will depart from the Viaduct Harbour and shuttle through the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park (HaurakiGulfMarinePark). In about 4 and a half hours, you have a high probability of encountering dolphins and whales. It will be a wonderful yacht trip.

Auckland · 29.2 km from Muriwai

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Experiences you can't miss in Muriwai

Featured Culture & history in Muriwai

View all Culture & history

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Auckland join-in tour 1-day tour: Honey center + Sheepworld Farm & Café + city [English tour]

Duration: 7.7 hrs

English

FromCAD 243.32

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All Blacks Experience: Interactive Guided Cultural Tour

4.6/5

· 226 reviews

Duration: 90 mins

English

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

91.2% of travelers recommend

FromCAD 60.12

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New Zealand North Island Weta Workshop Unleashed 90-min tour [optional Chinese/English]

Duration: 1 hr

English

Free cancellation

FromCAD 58.72

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Skip the Line: Auckland Museum General Admission Ticket

4.4/5

· 77 reviews

Duration: 3–4 hrs

Free cancellation

FromCAD 25.69

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Auckland: Wētā Workshop Unleashed Immersive Movie Tour

4.7/5

· 127 reviews

Duration: 1.5 hrs

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

92.9% of travelers recommend

FromCAD 52.50

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Auckland Harbor Bridge: Bridge Climb

5.0/5

· 3 reviews

Duration: 2 hrs

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

FromCAD 129.29

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New Zealand Sky Tower: Auckland's rise in-depth tour 2 hours (admission ticket included)

Duration: 2 hrs

English

Free cancellation

Instant confirmation

Book now for tomorrow

FromCAD 86.99

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Waiheke Island: Māori Culture, Art, Wine & Scenic Walk

Duration: 6 hrs

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

FromCAD 932.45

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Featured Day tours in Muriwai

View all Day tours

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1-day tour to Mount Eden, west coast black sand beach and Muriwai Gannet Colony in Auckland (small group travel)

Duration: 5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromCAD 225.46

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Auckland: Wild West Coast, Black Sand Beaches Tour inc Lunch

4.8/5

· 20 reviews

Duration: 7 hrs

Free cancellation

FromCAD 156.24

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Ultimate Auckland Experience Full-Day Tour with Lunch

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 12 hrs

Free cancellation

FromCAD 215.90

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Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland

4.9/5

· 47 reviews

Duration: 4 hrs

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

97.9% of travelers recommend

FromCAD 150.19

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Auckland: Ship to Shore Full-Day Excursion

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 8 hrs

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

FromCAD 176.30

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Kumeu Wine Tour

4.9/5

· 32 reviews

Duration: 4–6 hrs

Free cancellation

32 consecutive positive reviews

FromCAD 220.42

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Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

4.6/5

· 829 reviews· 97 booked

Duration: 1 day

English

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

42 consecutive positive reviews

FromCAD 81.66

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Auckland Whale & Dolphin Tour, explore Hauraki Gulf marine park

4.0/5

· 5 reviews· 112 booked

Duration: 4.5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromCAD 168.31

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Featured Food & drink in Muriwai

View all Food & drink

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Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: 3 Best Vineyards on the Island

4.8/5

· 106 reviews

Duration: 5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

Book now for tomorrow

94.3% of travelers recommend

FromCAD 148.88

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Orbit 360° revolving restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand (high-altitude views + harbor cityscape)

Duration: 2 hrs

English

Free cancellation

FromCAD 90.98

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Auckland, New Zealand cocoro popular restaurant reservation service

English

FromCAD 11.50

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Depot Eatery in Auckland, New Zealand

English

FromCAD 11.50

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Auckland's Amano, the trending restaurant reservation service in New Zealand

English

FromCAD 11.50

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Auckland's Amano, the trending restaurant reservation service in New Zealand

English

FromCAD 11.50

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Muriwai Today's weatherIntermittent clouds 15-23℃

Muriwai weather for the next 2 days11/9: 18-20℃, 11/10: 16-19℃

Free things to do in Muriwai

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What travellers say about Muriwai

多多December 9, 2020

4.0

The kids loved it, it was great! Although it was a bit boring on the way because it took more than an hour to drive, it was worth it when we got there! The beach, gannets, the sea, everything, it was great. At the end of the trip, the kids could play in a play gound for a while, it was fun!!! The only small drawback was that the bird droppings were a bit smelly.

Muriwai Gannet Colony

Anonymous userOctober 20, 2026

4.0

This activity is a little thrilling, quite good, and very safe; I checked the safety belt several times. Originally, besides bungee jumping, there was also a skywalk, but due to unclear information in the travel advertisement, we only did the bungee jumping. There weren't many people doing it now. Afterwards, you get a free tour of the Sky Tower.

Sky Tower

M43***57May 11, 2026

5.0

It was so much fun! There were so many animals, especially the kiwi, New Zealand's national bird, which is as rare as the giant panda. I got a really clear picture of it, and I was so happy! Actually, this zoo is one of the most interesting and beautiful zoos I've ever been to. The animals were incredibly energetic and visibly healthy. The park is huge and all green, and there are many entertaining shows.

Auckland Zoo

yangduoduo17December 14, 2020

4.0

We visited this hotel on a weekend evening last summer with the idea of watching the sunset over fish and chips. This plan went wrong when we discovered that all nearby food was only serving ice cream as all kitchens were closed for the season! The beach was very interesting with the sunset climbing over the dunes and the long white clouds symbolizing New Zealand on the horizon. A few brave men in wetsuits were out surfing and others were walking their dogs on the beach.

Piha Beach

Karen0301May 10, 2023

5.0

Been here for a week and it was totally amazing place. What a nice view and place. I love it❤️

Muriwai Beach

_TI***u6August 21, 2026

5.0

Excellent museum with lots of interesting exhibits on Māori history, natural history and military history of NZ.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Anonymous userAugust 14, 2026

5.0

We went as a family and had a great time! Well worth the money and saved heaps booking on here.

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

M35***24May 1, 2020

5.0

Take a plane from Auckland 16,500 feet high at a speed of 200km per hour to freely fall, and glide freely under the vast sky like a bird in the sky. It feels great

Skydive Auckland Ltd.

PhdthaoNovember 2, 2026

4.0

The place is interesting and the tour guide is informative. However, I had a bit of a hassle booking it through the supplier. The place closes at 6pm on weekdays and somehow a 6:30pm tour was available which I booked. This caused a lot of confusion. I called the shop and they said my booking was for 2:10pm which I had missed. I then had to ask Trip.com to reschedule. The last tour was at 4:10pm and I only received a confirmation five minutes before that. I had already walked to the place in advance and luckily got there on time. While this particular booking wasn’t great, the overall experience at the place was positive.

Weta Workshop Unleashed

Anonymous userNovember 6, 2026

5.0

As the boat left the dock, I was filled with anticipation, looking back at the scenery of Auckland with excitement. After about 5 hours, we saw a whale spouting water. The spout wasn't large, and the whale's leap from the water was fleeting, quite different from the images in the promotional posters. But I'll still give it a positive review; after all, whale sightings are a matter of luck, so I'll just consider it a sunbathing trip! ☀️☀️☀️

Auckland Whale & Dolphin Tour

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Trip Moments in Muriwai

Explore Auckland with Trip.com and experience the best attractions in one day!

“Following Trip.com's recommendation, I booked a private one-day tour of Auckland's city highlights and the black sand beach at Bird Island.”

@RadiantNova6 · 22 days ago

Great Experience for Kids, Minor Pricing Flaw

“Awesome activity, the kids absolutely loved it.”

@_TI***wc · 24 days ago

Comparing Gannet Colonies: Cape Kidnappers vs. Muriwai

“I’ve visited Farewell Spit Gannet Colony, Cape Kidnappers, and Muriwai Gannet Colony.”

@_TI***ht · 26 days ago

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Popular cities near Muriwai

Napier

Christchurch

Rotorua

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Muriwai?

Don't miss these attractions in Muriwai: Muriwai Gannet Colony, Sky Tower, and Auckland Zoo. If you like Culture & history, try Auckland join-in tour 1-day tour: Honey center + Sheepworld Farm & Café + city [English tour]. If you enjoy Day tours, try 1-day tour to Mount Eden, west coast black sand beach and Muriwai Gannet Colony in Auckland (small group travel).

What are the must-try foods and restaurants in Muriwai?

You can give Waiheke Island Scenic Wine Tour: 3 Best Vineyards on the Island and Orbit 360° revolving restaurant in Auckland, New Zealand (high-altitude views + harbor cityscape) a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Muriwai?

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include 1-day tour to Mount Eden, west coast black sand beach and Muriwai Gannet Colony in Auckland (small group travel), Auckland: Wild West Coast, Black Sand Beaches Tour inc Lunch, and Ultimate Auckland Experience Full-Day Tour with Lunch. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Muriwai?

As of November 8, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Muriwai is around CAD 81.66 – CAD 225.46. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Can I change or cancel my booking?

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

How can I get discounted prices?

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.

Things to do in Muriwai

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Muriwai

Muriwai Gannet Colony

Sky Tower

Auckland Zoo

Piha Beach

Muriwai Beach

Auckland War Memorial Museum

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

Skydive Auckland Ltd.

Weta Workshop Unleashed

Auckland Whale & Dolphin Tour

Experiences you can't miss in Muriwai

Featured Culture & history in Muriwai

Featured Day tours in Muriwai

Featured Food & drink in Muriwai

Free things to do in Muriwai

Muriwai Gannet Colony

Piha Beach

Muriwai Beach

Queen Street

Mount Eden

Auckland Harbour Bridge

Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill

What travellers say about Muriwai

Muriwai Gannet Colony

Sky Tower

Auckland Zoo

Piha Beach

Muriwai Beach

Auckland War Memorial Museum

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

Skydive Auckland Ltd.

Weta Workshop Unleashed

Auckland Whale & Dolphin Tour

Trip Moments in Muriwai

Explore Auckland with Trip.com and experience the best attractions in one day!

Great Experience for Kids, Minor Pricing Flaw

Comparing Gannet Colonies: Cape Kidnappers vs. Muriwai

Popular cities near Muriwai

Napier

Christchurch

Rotorua

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Muriwai?

What are the must-try foods and restaurants in Muriwai?

What are the recommended tours and excursions in Muriwai?

What's the typical cost of day tours and activities in Muriwai?

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Can I change or cancel my booking?

How can I get discounted prices?