A long weekend is cause for roadtrippin’ and a 40 minute cruise down the North Western motorway Murawai’s coast beauty awaits. With her black sand this west coast beach offers so much to be discovered for both young and old.
Beyond the beach and a short walk up the nearby hill is the real star attraction – the Gannet (Takapu) Colony. These majestic birds have created one of three gannet colonies that exist in New Zealand and you will find them here between July to March. In April the young birds make the journey to Australia, at speeds up to 145km per hour, but like all good kiwis, eventually return home.
While the gannets really are the focal point if you are lucky you will spot marine life as dolphins and seals. The nearby playground on the reserve is another draw card and with nearby picnic tables and bathrooms is the perfect spot to park up for some fresh sea air.
The roadtrip isn’t complete without a mandatory real fruit ice cream from one of the many market gardens around Waimouku.
Treat yourself at nearby Hallertau!
The deets:
Murawai
