Muriwai Must Do's

Muriwai Black Sand Beach

A seemingly endless strip of wavethrashed black sand beach, surfersflood to these shores. A walk along the sand will dust off the cobwebs in winter and makes a great day out in summer.

Horse Trekking on Muriwai Beach

If it’s good enough for Billy Eilish, it’s good enough for you. Trot along the dark and brooding sands of Muriwai Beach on a guided horse trek. Suitable for every age, experience – and globally-renowned songstresses, too.

Muriwai’s Gannets

A major drawcard of Muriwai is the gannet colony at Ōtakamiro Point. Take an easy walk along a well-formed path that leads to perfect vantage points. The best time to visit is betweenAugust and March each year.

Muriwai Gannet Colony © Chris McLennan

Muriwai Surf School

Teaching for over 20 years, these veteran surfers will get you up and on the board. Take a lesson or rent your gear, their surf shack is located less than one-minute walk from the beach.

Muriwai Gannet Coloney © Adobe Stock

Black Sand BEACHES

IN SUMMER, BLACK SAND CAN GET EXTREMELY HOT – ENOUGH TO PENETRATE YOUR JANDALS! HAVING A PAIR OF THICKER SOLED SHOES IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA FOR THE WALK BACK TO THE CAR.

WHATIPU

Windswept, moody and memorable. Swimming isn’t advised, but with vast dunes, caves and historic Māori sites, there’s still plenty to do. Access is via an unsealed road.

KAREKARE

This is a dramatic beach that has inspired many filmmakers and was most notably used in Jane Campion’s The Piano. Defined by its iron-rich black sand,it’s mesmerising to watch sulky waves thrash the shoreline.

ANAWHATA

Just a few kilometres north of Piha with impressive rock formations. Accessibility is by foot only, making it one of the (gloriously) less populated beaches on this coast.

WARNING: Although beautiful, these beaches are dangerous – only swim when lifeguards are on duty, and only between the red and yellow flags. Check www.safeswim.org.nz for more information.

Looking for a place to stay? Book accommodation at aa.travel.co.nz