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The Southern end of Muriwai beach is home to one of the few New Zealand mainland Australasian Gannet breeding colonies.
Over one thousand Australasian Gannet pairs breed every year from August to March in Muriwai with the first chicks hatching in October. From two viewing platforms it is possible to get a very close look at the breeding Australasian Gannet on the bare rocks of Otakamiro Point. There are also two small vertical-sided islands just offshore, where the other half of the colony breeds. White-fronted Tern have also nested here before and can often be seen flying along the coast.
Muriwai is less than an hour car drive away from the Auckland city centre; no public transport to Muriwai is available. Parking with public toilets is available just a short, wheelchair-friendly walk away from the platforms.
Due to damage from the cyclone in early 2023 access to the platforms is only from Waitea road and not from the beach. The site might be closed after the 2024-2025 breeding season for works.
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