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weekenders MURIWAI, NEW ZEALAND
spend their days at Muriwai catching good waves, There are surfboards, wetsuits and blokarts for rent, and surf lessons to be had at the Muriwai Surf School.
Alternatively, experience the
nature of Muriwai while riding a horse. Muriwai Beach Horse Treks take you on
a breathtaking journey along the beach, sand dunes and the forestry of Woodhill. If speed is your game, hop on a mountain bike and blaze through the forest treks. Woodhill Forest has more than 50 trails and 150 kilometres of single track, making it one of the Auckland region’s favourite mountain biking areas.
Slow down and explore Muriwai at your own pace by foot, surrounded by
EAT
Sand Dunz Beach Cafe
T: +64 9-411 8558
455 Motutara Road, Muriwai Beach, New Zealand
Situated within walking distance to the beach, Sand Dunz Beach Club is a prime spot for a quick coffee and homemade cakes before a day of activities. The cafe closes at 5pm with few alternatives nearby, so do arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Muriwai Golf Club Restaurant and Bar
T: +64 9-411 8454
Coast Road, Muriwai 0881, New Zealand
Take in the beautiful view of rolling green golf fields while enjoying a cocktail and a delicious meal. The restaurant and bar opens daily to serve golf players and their company.
EXPLORE
Muriwai Beach Horse Treks
T: +66 9-411 8948
Horse Park, Coast Road, Muriwai, New Zealand
Voted by The New Zealand Herald as one of the ‘Top 5 Best Horse Treks in New Zealand’, Muriwai Beach Horse Treks is a safe and fun way to explore the beaches and landscapes of Muriwai. The company offers different treks to match each rider’s ability, from novice to the veteran rider.
Aboutriding.co.nz
T: +66 9-411 8875
Coast Road, Muriwai Beach, New Zealand
Aboutriding.co.nz is adept at hosting horse- riding birthday parties, school holiday trips and team-building sessions. Be in the safe hands of local guide, Nette, a NZPCA qualified horse trainer, coach and experienced trek guide. Horses are also available for hire in wedding photoshoots.
lush green foliage, rushing streams and breathtaking waterfalls. Famous bush- walking routes such as the Hillary Trail, Goldie Bush Walkway and Mokoroa Falls Track bring trekkers to cross streams and traverse coastal cliffs. Boardwalks are in place for easier trekking, but pay extra caution when climbing slippery steps after periods of rain.
A trip to Muriwai would be incomplete without witnessing the magnificent gannet colony, one of the only three mainland gannet colonies of New Zealand. Head south of the beach to Otakamiro Point, in between Maukatia Bay and Muriwai Beach. Here, more than 1,200 pairs of gannets (takapu) breed on the
weekenders MESMERISING MURIWAI
Muriwai Regional Park
458 Moutara Road, Muriwai Beach, New Zealand
The park is open 24 hours for pedestrian access. The available electric BBQ pits, picnic tables and drinking water make for an enjoyable picnic set in nature. The park has a selection of mountain bike treks and bush- walking trails for the more adventurous.
Muriwai Surf School
T: +66 2-147 8734
458 Motutara Road, Muriwai 0881, New Zealand
A family owned business, the Muriwai Surf School takes pride in offering top service
and professional instructors. Good quality surfboards are on rent. Beginners, intermediate and advanced lessons are available as well.
rocky cliffs from August to March each year, with nests just centimetres apart. These marine birds sometimes swoop high above the cliffs, diving down to nest. There are two viewing platforms that make great vantage points for close up bird watching, amidst a splendid landscape of rocky cliffs and crashing waves.
Getting around Muriwai is easy on
a 4-wheel drive (4WD) or motorcycle. These vehicles have been granted permission to drive on the hard sand of Muriwai Beach and Te Oneone Rangatira Beach. Stick to the speed limitations, drive with headlights on, and steer clear of tidal surges and soft sands for a safe, enjoyable journey.
STAY
RCI AFFILIATED RESORTS IN MURIWAI INCLUDE:
Spencer On Byron
Discover the modern architecture of Auckland’s newest business class hotel. The Spencer on Byron Hotel stands tall on the North Shore in Takapuna, with unsurpassed views. Kick back with a beer at the bar, or take in the views of the sunrise behind Rangitoto, with sails charting the Americas Cup course on the Hauraki Gulf. Wake to breathtaking silhouettes of Auckland’s skyline lighting up the harbour. At Spencer on Byron, you can expect comfortable business class suites, elegant banquet rooms, state-of-the-art conference facilities and anticipatory service anytime.
#7452 3 nights from AU$549/NZ$589 1brm
#8407 4 nights from AU$559/NZ$599 1brm
ENDLESS VACATION 43