Muriwai Beach and Gannet Colony
The Muriwai Gannet Colony, New Zealand
Muriwai Beach, New Zealand
We started the day early, departing Lucas Heights, near Albany, at 6:30 a.m. for Muriwai Beach and Gannet Colony on the west coast of the North Island in New Zealand.
Had it not been for the road closures, due to a marathon race, I am not sure we would have reached Muriwai in time to witness the early morning light, something we photographers always cherish.
The drive to Muriway Beach from Albany is approximately 40 minutes, which is very similar to the time it would take you to drive from Auckland to Muriwai Beach.
Muriwai Beach in New Zealand. One of the most beautiful beaches we have ever laid eyes on.
We parked the car, darted for the beach immediately, and were instantly in awe of the natural spectacle before our eyes. It was a windy morning, with white caps on the waves, the clouds slightly dark, and a sliver of morning light coming in from the east.
I photographed the beach from every conceivable angle. After exploring the beach for a while, we picked up to-go coffees from Sand Dunz Beach Café. Josh, Hannah, and Karen joined us for this refreshing morning adventure.
A windy morning at Muriwai Beach, New Zealand
Muriwai Gannet Colony
With cameras, spare batteries, and lots of space on our memory cards, Josh and I headed up to see the Gannet Colony. After a short walk up and around the cliff formation along the coast of the Tasman Sea, another stunning cove comes into view.
The following facts are from the information displayed at the Muriwai Gannet Colony:
The gannets nest here because of the wind. The up draughts make it easy for take offs and landings. For the large and ungainly chicks this extra uplift when launching off on their maiden voyage across the Tasman is especially helpful.
The Muriwai gannett community has grown from a small settlement of 50 pairs to over 1000 couples. The gannets are flourishing here for the moment despite the dangers of living on the mainland, near humans and dogs.
A gannett hovers above the waves of the Tasman Sea at the Muriwai Gannett Colony
We explored the Gannet Colony for quite some time, and we were basically mesmerized by the Gannets’ taking off, landing, finding their chicks, and then repeating the pattern.
The sheer number of Gannetts made for quite a scene, which I hope my photos will relay.
Nothing, however, will replace the experience of standing in the wind, hearing the gannets, and watching them soar right up close.
The morning light made this experience all the more magical. Later in the day, I realized I had taken 862 photos at the Gannet Colony.
A gannet soaring high above the Tasman Sea.
Muriwai Beach
The beach came alive later in the morning. The surfers arrived, eyeing the nice waves and the next thrill. Several groups of kids and parents lined the beach for surfing and swimming lessons.
We realized how integral ocean life is to growing up in New Zealand and loved watching the kids, who were in competitive spirits, work through several drills right there on the beach.
We walked along the beach, witnessed life unfold on this beautiful morning, sat there for a while, and took in the atmosphere.
Kids in swimming / surfing lessons at Muriwai Beach
Back in Lucas Heights, a BBQ lunch was awaiting us. Lucas joined in, which meant all members of the Duley gang were in one spot at the same time, and we could take family photos.
On the North Island of New Zealand, you are never far from a beach, and we wrapped up the day visiting another one. To make it a full day, dinner was at Mairangi Bay, where we had fish and chips.
Fish and chips at Mairangi Bay with the Duleys
In the afternoon, Leighton and I went with Sharon’s brother to pick up a used piano, which I ended up playing for most of the evening while everyone else played a board game. It was a perfect way to end the day.
It was one of those unforgettable and very special travel days. Thanks to Josh, Hannah, and Karen for joining us on our trip to Muriwai Beach and to Sharon and Leighton for creating this ‘hub’ for us, which has been the base for so many adventures.
Posing at Muriwai Beach in New Zealand
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The photos in this article are made using a Fujifilm X-Pro2. Lenses: XF 14mm f/2.8 R - XF 23mm f/1.4 R - XF 35mm f/1.4 R - XF 90mm f/2 R LM WR (links to my camera and lens reviews). Editing was done in Capture One Express. I used Fujifilm film simulations for some of the photos.
