The only road to Muriwai is Muriwai Road, which leaves State Highway 16 at Waimauku. From central Auckland you drive west on SH16 past Kumeu and Waimauku, then turn onto Muriwai Road and follow the signs to the beach. Sources put the drive at about 40 to 50 minutes; our check of a distance calculator gave 44 km.
Parking at Muriwai
| Where you are going | Car park | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beach, surf club, toilets | End of Motutara Road | Playground and tennis courts nearby |
| Gannet colony and Maukatia Gannet Track | Waitea Road car park | The one Auckland Council recommends |
| Clifftop viewing | Separate signposted car park | Listed in Auckland Tourism’s guide |
Sources: Auckland Tourism’s Muriwai guide and Auckland Council notices, checked November 2026. We did not find any parking fee; confirm it on Auckland Council’s park page. Do not leave valuables in the car: this is a common warning at remote coastal car parks in New Zealand, so take them with you.
The park gates are listed as open 6 am to 9 pm in summer and 6 am to 7.30 pm in winter. If you want the sunset, check the closing time and the sun time on the day. See sunset photography.
No bus, no train
We found no public transport to Muriwai, a point Auckland Tourism’s guide also makes. If that has changed, Auckland Transport’s journey planner will show it. If you do not drive:
- Book a west-coast tour. Most start in the city and focus on Piha and the Waitakere Ranges; check whether a Muriwai stop is included. See tours from Auckland.
- Use a rideshare or taxi for the trip out, but arrange the return before you go. We have not checked how easy it is to find a ride back from the beach.
- Hire a car for the day at Auckland Airport or in the city.
Renting a car in Auckland
Driving in New Zealand is on the left. A small rental car is enough for the sealed road to Muriwai. Compare prices for Auckland below.
Before you drive out
- Check the weather and the surf. See beach safety.
- Check gannet colony track closures if the birds are the reason you are going.
- Fill the tank in Kumeu or Waimauku: the only fuel cost we found quoted was about NZ$20 to NZ$25 for the return trip in a small petrol car (Auckland Tourism, checked November 2026).
- Consider a stay on the west side of Auckland if you want to do more than one beach.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Muriwai without a car?
We found no public transport to Muriwai. Options are a rideshare or taxi, a private driver, or a guided west-coast tour. Check Auckland Transport's journey planner in case that changes.
How long does it take to drive from Auckland to Muriwai?
Sources give about 40 to 50 minutes from central Auckland for around 44 km, via State Highway 16 through Kumeu and Waimauku, then Muriwai Road. Weekend and holiday traffic can add time.
Where do I park at Muriwai?
For the beach and surf club, the car park at the end of Motutara Road. For the gannet colony, the Waitea Road car park that Auckland Council recommends.
What time does the Muriwai park gate close?
Auckland Tourism's guide lists the park gates as open 6 am to 9 pm in summer and 6 am to 7.30 pm in winter. Check Auckland Council for the current times before a sunset visit.
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