Muriwai Beach

The beaches on the west coast of the North Island, not far from Auckland, are some of New Zealand's most beautiful. Piha, Bethells Beach, Anawhata, and other beaches are recognized for their beautiful black sands and unspoiled natural beauty. Muriwai Beach, on the other hand, was chosen for the list in part because it has something else entirely unique — a Gannet Colony. They have created some fantastic observation platforms to observe these incredible seabirds, and going to sunset is a truly spectacular experience.

Paragliders are lured by the equally ideal south-westerly winds encircling the shoreline, and surfers are a common sight, drawn to the favorable conditions of the water while soaring high above. The Muriwai Surf School, right before the Sand Dunz Beach Cafe, offers surfing lessons as well as the option of renting a wetsuit and a surfboard. The Muriwai Gannet Colony, located near the beach, is home to over a thousand pairs of gannets that migrate to the area each year from Australia between September and April. There is a parking park and a short walking track at the colony that leads to a few viewing platforms where tourists may get up close and personal with the colony and its rough shoreline.

Location: Auckland, New Zealand