• Auckland & Beyond Tours - Meet Auckland and Beyond Tours in Auckland CBD to begin your tour
• Muriwai Beach - Discover one of New Zealand’s famous black sand beaches on the west coast. Muriwai is an impressive coastline with cliff-top trails to a huge gannet colony, with easy access and viewing platforms that let you get up close.

A windswept rugged coastline stretching 60 kilometres, and interrupted only by streams and rivers, makes Muriwai one of New Zealand’s most spectacular black-sand surf beaches.

• Muriwai Gannet Colony - Muriwai’s gannet colony is a one hour drive from the centre of Auckland. About 1,200 pairs of gannets nest here from August to March each year.

The nests are just centimetres apart. It’s an air traffic controller’s nightmare, but somehow the birds have it under control. Those coming in to land must glide over the squawking raised beaks of their neighbours - so getting it wrong can be painful. These two-and-a-half kilogram birds have a wingspan of two metres, and their mastery of the onshore updrafts is impressive to say the least.

Once airborne, the young gannets leave the colony and cross the Tasman Sea to Australia. A few years later, surviving birds return to secure a nest site at the colony.

The views from the colony are very impressive. Muriwai Beach extends 60 kilometres to the north - a line of black sand between the thundering surf and the sand hills. Far below, enthusiastic surfers look like seals on the large ocean swells.

• Private transportation
• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• On-board WiFi
• Bottled water
• Lunch
• Snacks
• All entry tickets & guided tours
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Professional Driver/Guide

• Gratuities

Muriwai Beach is renowned for its shimmering black sand, surfing opportunities, and Gannet Colony. Auckland and Beyond Tours will commence your journey by picking you up from your accommodation in Auckland CBD. Enjoy a picturesque drive through the Waitakere Ranges, stopping at a stunning viewpoint overlooking Muriwai for an ideal photo opportunity.

Upon arrival at Muriwai, you will be guided to observe the gannets up close (easy walking), followed by a stroll along the beach and cove. You will have about an hour to unwind, swim, and explore the beach.

The experience continues to improve, as you will then be taken for wine tasting at one of the area’s oldest wineries to sample some wines before returning to Auckland.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Infant seats are available on request if advised at time of booking (Depends on availability)
• A minimum of 2 people is required for the tour to operate

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.