Rocky coastal cliffs with waves crashing against the shore, under a partly cloudy sky.

Muriwai

The Wild West Coast

Located 30 minutes drive from Auckland CBD is one of the most popular surf beaches in New Zealand. It just shows the beauty of New Zealand when you can be so close to the countries largest city yet feel a thousand miles from civilisation.

I love coming here as it feels so different to the East coast of Auckland where we live. We call it the wild west coast as it almost feels prehistoric out here and so untouched.

Home to a Australasian gannet colony as well as the start of some epic coastal hikes, this place packs a lot of punch for day trippers.

A gannet flying over the ocean with wings outstretched, carrying a piece of seaweed in its beak.
Black and white photo of a rocky coastline with waves crashing and a large rock formation in the sea.
Gannet bird in flight with hills in background
Seagull with spread wings flying over ocean waves
Flying seabird with orange head and black wingtips against blurred background.
Black and white image of ocean waves crashing against rugged rock cliffs with smooth, curved surfaces.
Rocky coastal cliff with lush green vegetation, ocean waves below, and a bright blue sky.
Black and white image of waves cascading over a rocky shoreline with water forming small waterfalls.
Black and white seascape with rocky coastline, waves crashing, and a distant island under a cloudy sky.
Black and white photo of a wave crashing against rocks, creating splashes and droplets against a clear sky.
Gannet bird flying against a clear blue sky
Black and white abstract patterns on rock formations
Gannet bird in flight over rocky terrain
Gannet bird building nest with twigs in beak on rocky ground.
Coastal landscape with green cliffs, black sand beach, and ocean waves under a blue sky.
Rocky coastline with waves crashing against cliffs under a clear blue sky.
Scenic view of a nature path with lush green vegetation and distant houses on a hillside under a blue sky with clouds.
Scenic coastal view with cliffs, rock formations, and ocean waves under a blue sky with clouds.
Close-up view of a textured rock wall with various shadows and indentations.
Winding road in a lush forest with caution signs, including one reading 'Slow Down Free Range Kids.'