A private half-day to full-day excursion from Auckland that pairs Piha’s dramatic black-sand beach with Muriwai’s cliff-top gannet colony. Expect rugged coastal viewpoints, short walks, surf stops and a mix of geology, natural history and cultural context.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You pull away from central Auckland and the air changes—salt and wet sand replacing city exhaust. The road snakes into the Waitākere Ranges and opens to cliff-top viewpoints where Tasman Sea swells throw themselves at black-sand beaches. At Muriwai, white gannets cluster on the headlands, a noisy colony exposed to wind and spray; at Piha, the Beach and Lion Rock keep watch while surfers meet the surf.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most people who can handle several short walks (10–60 minutes) and brief uneven terrain; not strenuous but requires mobility for stairs and beach sand.
Wildlife
History
The Waitākere Ranges and west coast were important to Tāmaki Māori and later saw logging and gum-digging; park protections in the 20th century shifted the area toward recreation and conservation.
Conservation
Ongoing pest-control and reforestation programs aim to restore native forest, and kauri dieback restrictions require visitors to stay on tracks and clean footwear to prevent pathogen spread.
Reserve your spot on the Private Auckland's West Coast - Piha/ Muriwai - Wild West Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Watch the tides and rips
Piha and Muriwai have strong rips and powerful shorebreaks—swim only at lifeguarded areas and heed local warnings.
Layer for wind and sun
Coastal wind can be bitter even on warm days—bring a windproof layer plus sun protection for exposed viewpoints.
Bring grip-friendly footwear
Walks include rocky headlands, steps and loose sand—sturdy shoes with good traction make short hikes safer.
Respect bird nesting areas
At the gannet colony stay on designated viewing points and keep noise low to avoid disturbing breeding birds.
Sturdy trail shoes
Good traction on coastal rocks, tracks and loose sand reduces slip risk.
Windproof rain shell
Protects against sudden coastal showers and chill from sea breezes.
winter
Reusable water bottle
Hydration for walks and sun-exposed viewpoints; refill at stops.
summer
Sunhat & sunscreen
Essential in summer and for exposed lookout points even on mild days.
summer