Muriwai Beach, on Auckland’s rugged west coast, is a wild stretch of black sand that feels both powerful and untamed. Strong surf pounds the shoreline, while steep cliffs frame the coastline and carry the sound of crashing waves far inland. One of the highlights here is the gannet colony perched on the clifftops—a spectacular sight during breeding season when thousands of birds swoop and nest above the ocean.

The beach itself runs for over 50 kilometres, making it popular for long walks, horse riding, surfing, and 4WD access (with a permit). At sunset, the whole coastline glows with golden light against the dark sand, creating dramatic photography opportunities that are uniquely West Coast.

Bring a zoom lens if you want to capture the gannets up close, and a wide-angle to take in the sheer scale of the cliffs, ocean, and horizon.