Take a day trip out to the west coast’s Muriwai Beach and experience the huge gannet colony. There are a number of viewing platforms that allow you to get quite close to them. Try and go on a nice clear sunny day to make the most of it.

Standard Wild West NZ beach but nice place for a picnic with plenty of car parks. Obviously good for surfing at the right time, I’m not a surfer though.

Great beach, dogs are ok under control off leash past the lifeguard tower. The sand is black so it gets HOT. Pack an umbrella or some other sort of shade because there are no trees along the beach front. Access to public toilets. Limited public rubbish bins

Black sand beauty. Ideal for surfing. Spotted many surfers. Great weather. Good parking fascilities. Long, unpolluted nice beach.

Quite a large black sand beach. It goes as far as the eye can see. There is quite a lot to see and do here but primarily going on the walks and looking at the gannet colonies. There are a few parking spaces around the beach, all with their own beach access. The beach itself is uncovered but the parking areas have grassy areas with trees for shade. One area also has a BBQ and picnic tables. It is a nice place to spend the day or the afternoon just relaxing or walking about.

Went on a windy day but still very beautiful. Saw a lot of folks enjoying in the cold water. Decent parking available.

Peaceful beach, great surf. Camp grounds are well set up - large kitchen, clean toilets and showers. Dog friendly!

Muriwai Beach is really a beautiful beach the beach is full of black and shiny sand it’s is good place to bring children over here there is lots of space for parking washrooms are next to parking area and the beautiful part is that it is surrounded by big rocks mountains where you can see houses do visit this beach ones but safety is in our if we do take care of it by ourself 😊

Really nice beach! Black/ purple sand which was beautiful. Washed up of I think small Portuguese man of war jellyfish. Big, rough waves. Steps up to the top closed off. Lifeguards in duty. Car parking and toilets available.

Great place to walk and swim. Love the black sand. Did the track and saw the Gannetts nesting. A little sad to see dead ones but interesting to see how they live.

Beautiful black sand west Auckland beach. Pack a tent/gazebo with weights for shade if planning to stay on the beach, otherwise trees and picnic tables by the carpark. 😎🌞

Really lovely beach. Goes on for miles. Right next to the Gannet Reserve, where you can see thousands of nesting birds and some interesting rock formations. A good place to fish, if you are inclined.

Muriwai Beach is Special to me. With its Black Sand. I'm a Westie. Bred here. Lots to see and do here. Camping, surfing, swimming, admiring the Gannets 🕊 walking tracks. Beautiful views ❤️❤️❤️

Such a stunning beach. The black sand is soft and doesn’t stick to you. Stunning views and not a busy beach. The waves are huge and looked very rough. There’s a swimming beach further up where the waves didn’t seem as big and rough. Only 50 minutes from Auckland CBD, definitely highly recommended to experience.

Always a great spot for a dog walk- you do not have to walk far to feel the solitude, even on the busiest of weekends. Plus good amenities for a picnic afterwards.

Best place to visit , full of activities to do and there is a beautiful playground for kids

Awesome Sight Seeing, Beautiful Atmosphere and huge space. Beach is totally compact with areas for all types of recreation activities and small river right in the middle safe for kids to deep in.

This beach is amazing the waves are relentless surfers dream. I just enjoyed walking in the wet sand.

Magical place with black sand beach and good waves.

Surf Spot Pumping. Esp up over the hill at Maori Bay, catch it on a good day, and the Surf won't disappoint, again not for the beginner, intermediate, to advanced surfers only, seen a few swimmers, and surfers getting caught in rips. Stay safe, and think twice before going in.

Majestic destination Large and waves crashing onto the rocks makes it exciting for young and old Large flat rock surface with water edge lookout very breath taking Sea life in the rocks very interesting for children

Beautiful views, a clean area including their bathrooms, and a wonderful atmosphere. The playground is quite entertaining for kids or for those interested in it, and the people around mind their own business as well as carry friendly faces. From what I experienced the area is safe besides from strong currents and rips, however that’s a hazard that all beaches carry. Nice spots for picnics as well in both beach and playground area. Overall, wonderful place:)