Muriwai & Bethells Beach
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. Comes toward the March to see the babies first flight; Bethells Beach is the typical black sand beach from New Zealand and start of the famous Te Henga Walkway. Listen closely to the sound coming from that round island on the beach, as this is one of the west coast birds sanctuary.
Piha Beach
It is one of the most popular beaches in the area and a major day-trip destination for Aucklanders throughout the year. Enjoy watching the surfers disappearing behind white foams while listening to the sound of the Tasman sea crushing waves. Don't forget to climb the Lion Rock with naked feet filling every inch of that volcanic sand as would our Maori friends.
