Explore beyond the guidebooks
Discover Muriwai through the eyes of a local, exploring iconic landscapes, hidden corners and the stories that bring this wild coastline to life. Choose one of our private tours, or create a personalised experience combining nature, adventure, food and wellbeing.
Choose your experience
Choose from our thoughtfully curated experiences, or let us create something just for you. If you have something special in mind, we’ll work with you to design a private Muriwai experience tailored to your interests, pace and preferences.
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Discover Muriwai through the eyes of a local. Visit the iconic gannet colony, explore dramatic coastal cliffs, wander the black sand beach, uncover hidden gems beyond the guidebooks, hear fascinating local stories, and enjoy moments to pause and reconnect with nature.
Perfect for: First-time visitors, couples, anyone wanting an authentic Muriwai experience.
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Experience Muriwai at its most magical.
Explore the coastline as the afternoon light softens, watch the sun sink into the Tasman Sea and finish with one of Auckland's most spectacular sunsets.
Perfect for: Couples, photographers, honeymooners and anniversaries
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Discover Muriwai's breathtaking coastline on a private guided experience that blends nature, local storytelling and wellbeing.
Explore iconic landscapes, uncover hidden gems, then finish with a rejuvenating sauna, optional ice bath and therapeutical massage. Leave feeling relaxed, refreshed and reconnected.
Perfect for: Couples, wellness travellers, and special occasions.
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Designed especially for families with children.
Discover the gannets
Spot native wildlife
Explore the beach and caves
Fun nature activities
Meet and feed local farm animals (NZ Romney sheep + alpacas)
Plenty of time to play and explore
Beautiful, scenic family photos
Relaxed, flexible and designed around children's energy levels.
Perfect for: Families with young children and visiting grandparents.
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Every Muriwai experience can be tailored to you. Explore the dramatic west coast on a guided walk to the gannet colony, discover hidden lookouts, Māori Bay and its coastal caves, or slow things down with a grounded beach walk then tailor the rest of the day to your satisfaction:
Include:
Horse riding
Mountain biking
Surfing lessons
Land sailing
Connect with local life through a farm or conservation experience
Restore with a private yoga session, sauna, cold plunge or massage.
Visit a Kumeu vineyard for a locally inspired lunch, New Zealand flavours or a relaxed local wine tasting.
Whether you want to explore, adventure, connect or simply unwind, we can create a private Muriwai experience around you.
Explore Tour
BEYOND THE SCENERY
DISCOVER THE WILD BEAUTY OF MURIWAI THROUGH THE EYES OF A LOCAL
Step beyond the usual tourist trail and experience Muriwai’s dramatic coastline, fascinating natural history and relaxed West Coast way of life on a private locally guided experience.
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SCENIC LOOKOUTS
Take in the sweeping coast views as we introduce Muriwai and the famous landmarks
COASTAL EXPLORATION
Discover Maori Bay, ancient pillow lava formations and stories of this wild coastline
GANNET COLONY
See thousands of Australasian gannets up close (seasonal: Sep - April)
LOCAL STORIES
Enjoy a relaxed stop for coffee while hearing about the community, its history and way of life.
NATURE TOUR
Finish with a gentle walk through native bush and the option to go barefoot and reconnect with nature
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9.30AM PICK UP
Complimentary pick up from your Muriwai location
10.00AM SCENIC LOOKOUT & INTRODUCTION
Head to one of Muriwai's beautiful coastal lookouts to get your bearings and enjoy an overview of the area.
10.30AM MAORI BAY & COASTAL GEOLOGY
Explore Māori Bay, a rugged surf beach framed by dramatic cliffs and ancient pillow lava formations, and learn about the area's unique geology and natural stories.
11.00AM GANNET COLONY
Experience the incredible gannet colony, where thousands of Australasian gannets return each year. Get close to these remarkable birds and capture unforgettable photos.
11.45AM COFFEE & COMMUNITY
Stop for a coffee or refreshing break while we share stories about Muriwai's history, its people, recent challenges and what life is like in this small West Coast community.
12.15PM NATIVE FOREST WALK
Finish with a gentle walk through native bush, with the option to go barefoot and reconnect with nature.
12.30PM RETURN
Back to your accommodation relaxed and inspired
Sunset Tour
EXPERIENCE MURIWAI AT IT’S MOST MAGICAL
Explore the coastline as the afternoon light softens, watch the sun sink into the Tasman Sea and finish with one of Auckland's most spectacular sunsets.
BEYOND THE SCENERY
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SCENIC LOOKOUTS
Take in the sweeping coast views as we introduce Muriwai and the famous landmarks
COASTAL EXPLORATION
Discover Maori Bay, ancient pillow lava formations and stories of this wild coastline
GANNET COLONY
See thousands of Australasian gannets up close (seasonal: Sep - April)
SUNSET + STORIES
Slow down as the day draws to a close and settle in for one of Muriwai’s spectacular West Coast sunsets. Enjoy a relaxed non-alcoholic drink and light refreshments as the sun sinks into the Tasman Sea. Capture the moment for memories of a lifetime.
NATURE TOUR
Finish with a gentle walk through native bush and the option to go barefoot and reconnect with nature
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To make the most of Muriwai’s spectacular sunset, tour times vary seasonally. Your exact pick-up time will be confirmed prior to your experience.
5.00PM — PICK UP
Complimentary pick-up from your Muriwai location.5.30PM — SCENIC LOOKOUT & INTRODUCTION
Begin at one of Muriwai’s beautiful coastal lookouts. Take in sweeping views of the coastline, get your bearings and hear an introduction to this special part of Auckland’s wild West Coast.6.00PM — MĀORI BAY & COASTAL GEOLOGY
Explore Māori Bay, a rugged surf beach framed by dramatic cliffs and ancient pillow lava formations, while discovering the geology and natural stories that have shaped this coastline.6.30PM — GANNET COLONY
Experience Muriwai’s iconic gannet colony, where thousands of Australasian gannets return during the nesting season. Observe these remarkable birds up close and capture unforgettable photographs.7.00PM — MURIWAI BEACH & LOCAL STORIES
Make your way down to Muriwai’s famous black-sand beach. Hear stories about the area’s history, its people, recent challenges and what life is really like in this small West Coast community.7.30PM — SUNSET EXPERIENCE
Slow down as the day draws to a close and watch the sun set over the Tasman Sea. Enjoy a relaxed drink and light refreshment while taking in one of Muriwai’s spectacular West Coast sunsets.8.00PM — RETURN
Return to your accommodation relaxed, connected and with a memorable taste of Muriwai’s wild West Coast.
Explore + Restore Tour
BEYOND THE SCENERY
A UNIQUE MURIWAI EXPERIENCE COMBING NATURE, LOCAL CONNECTION + WELLBEING
Begin by exploring Muriwai’s dramatic coastline, from black-sand beaches and ancient volcanic formations to the iconic gannet colony, while discovering the stories of the land, wildlife and community.
Then explore becomes restore at Kula, with a private sauna and ice bath experience followed by your choice of a relaxing massage or private yoga session.
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SCENIC LOOKOUTS
Take in sweeping views across Muriwai’s dramatic coastline and discover the stories behind the landscape.
COASTAL EXPLORATION
Pause at beautiful Māori Bay before exploring Muriwai’s fascinating volcanic landscape and ancient pillow lava formations.
GANNET COLONY
See thousands of Australasian gannets up close (seasonal: Sep - April).
LOCAL STORIES
Enjoy a relaxed stop for coffee while hearing about the community, its history and way of life.
NATIVE FOREST WALK
Finish with a gentle walk through native bush and the option to go barefoot and reconnect with nature.
RESTORE
Transition from exploring to restoring with a private sauna and ice bath experience designed to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised.
Complete your wellbeing experience with your choice of a relaxing one-hour massage or private yoga session.
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Times are indicative and may vary slightly depending on conditions and the pace of your private experience.
11.00AM — PRIVATE PICK UP & SCENIC LOOKOUT
Your experience begins with complimentary pick up from your Muriwai accommodation. Take in sweeping views across Muriwai’s dramatic coastline and discover the stories behind the landscape.11.15AM — MĀORI BAY & COASTAL GEOLOGY
Pause at beautiful Māori Bay before exploring Muriwai’s fascinating volcanic landscape, ancient pillow lava formations and local history.11.35AM — GANNET COLONY & COASTAL WALK
Follow the coastal trail to Muriwai’s iconic gannet colony, taking in spectacular viewpoints while learning about the wildlife, geology and natural environment.12.05PM — MURIWAI BEACH & LOCAL STORIES
Experience Muriwai’s famous black-sand beach and hear stories of the people, events and community that have shaped this special West Coast village.12.35PM — COMMUNITY & CONNECTION
Visit Muriwai’s commemorative community artwork and discover the remarkable story of resilience and connection following Cyclone Gabrielle.12.50PM — NATIVE FOREST WALK
Slow the pace with a gentle walk through native bush, discovering local plants such as kawakawa and taking a moment to reconnect with the natural surroundings.1.20PM — LOCAL FARM EXPERIENCE (optional)
Visit a private Muriwai farmlet to meet and feed New Zealand Romney and Suffolk sheep and alpacas, accompanied by a locally inspired snack and refreshment.1.50PM — RESTORE AT KULA
Transition from exploring to restoring with a private sauna and ice bath experience designed to leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised.2.45PM — MASSAGE OR PRIVATE YOGA
Complete your wellbeing experience with your choice of a relaxing one-hour massage or private yoga session.4.00PM — RETURN TO YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Relax as we return you to your Muriwai accommodation after a day of exploring, connecting and restoring.
Wild + Well Family Tour
BEYOND THE SCENERY
EXPLORE, PLAY, CONNECT AND EXPERIENCE MURIWAI TOGETHER.
Created especially for families, Wild + Well Together is a relaxed and interactive journey through Muriwai that combines adventure, wildlife, local stories and simple moments of connection in nature.
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SCENIC LOOKOUTS
Take in sweeping views of Muriwai’s wild coastline and begin your family adventure together.COASTAL DISCOVERY
Explore Māori Bay, black-sand beaches and ancient pillow lava, the stacks and caves while uncovering the stories behind this incredible landscape.GANNET COLONY + NATURE QUIZ
Meet Muriwai’s famous gannets and keep younger explorers engaged with a fun nature quiz along the way.BEACH & KIWI TREATS
Spend time on Muriwai’s iconic black-sand beach and sample some classic Kiwi favourites.NATURE & MINDFULNESS
Slow down with a gentle native forest walk, discover local plants and try forest bathing and optional barefoot grounding.FARMLET EXPERIENCE
Meet and feed friendly Romney sheep and alpacas, collect fresh eggs and experience a little taste of rural New Zealand life. -
10.00AM — PICK UP & SCENIC LOOKOUT
Complimentary pick-up from your Muriwai accommodation before heading to one of Muriwai’s beautiful coastal lookouts. Take in the sweeping views, get your bearings and start the day with a simple family mindfulness activity designed to slow down, arrive in the moment and connect with your surroundings.10.20AM — MĀORI BAY & COASTAL DISCOVERY
Explore beautiful Māori Bay (Maukatia) and uncover the stories behind Muriwai’s dramatic cliffs, black-sand coastline and ancient pillow lava formations. Discover the coastal caves and pause for a memorable family photo against one of Muriwai’s most iconic backdrops. Take a moment to tune into the sights, sounds and fresh sea air.11.00AM — GANNET COLONY & KIDS' NATURE QUIZ
Follow the coastal trail towards Muriwai’s famous gannet colony while the kids complete a fun quiz along the way. Discover fascinating facts about the gannets, local wildlife and the extraordinary geology that has shaped this coastline.11.45AM — BLACK-SAND BEACH & LUNCH
Head down to Muriwai’s iconic black-sand beach for some time to explore and capture a memorable family photo. Enjoy a relaxed lunch while hearing stories about Muriwai, its people and the events that have shaped this close-knit West Coast community.12.35PM — COMMUNITY & LOCAL STORIES
Visit Muriwai’s commemorative community artwork and discover the story behind this special installation, created from materials salvaged from local homes following Cyclone Gabrielle.1.00PM — NATIVE FOREST & KIWI TREATS
Take a gentle walk through native New Zealand bush, discovering local plants such as kawakawa along the way. Slow things down with some forest bathing and optional barefoot grounding, before trying a selection of classic Kiwi kid treats.1.15PM — LOCAL FARMLET EXPERIENCE
Finish with a visit to a local farmlet where the kids can meet and feed beautiful Romney sheep and alpacas and collect fresh eggs — a relaxed, hands-on taste of rural New Zealand life.2.00PM — RETURN
Return to your accommodation after a morning of exploring, playing and reconnecting together.Times are approximate and may vary. As a private family experience, the pace can be adapted to suit the ages, interests and needs of your family.
BEYOND THE SCENERY
MURIWAI, YOUR WAY
TAILORED TO YOU
Whether you’re drawn to wild coastlines, local stories, wildlife, wellbeing or simply slowing down, we’ll shape a private Muriwai experience around you.
Begin by exploring Muriwai’s dramatic coastline, from black-sand beaches and ancient volcanic formations to the iconic gannet colony, while discovering the stories of the land, wildlife and community.
Your Muriwai experience doesn’t have to end here, make a day of it, explore what else you can add to your experience below and select these on your booking form for a custom tour.
Make a day of it…
Muriwai Beach Horse Trekking
+ 1- 3 hours
Discover the wild west coast on horseback, where you will trail ride up the velvet black sands of Muriwai beach and through sand dunes. You’ll stop to let your horse have a drink and splash in the fresh water holes before making your way up through scrubland, tree tunnels and the picturesque Woodhill Forest. Beginner to experienced options available.
Wood fire Sauna : Cold Plunge
+ 2 hours
Slow down and reconnect with a guided breathwork experience designed to calm the mind, restore balance and deepen your sense of wellbeing. Through intentional breathing techniques, take time to reset, recharge and leave feeling grounded and refreshed.
Massage
+ 2 hours
Unwind with a restorative massage designed to release tension, encourage deep relaxation and leave you feeling renewed. Set within the peaceful surroundings of Kula Muriwai, it’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, switch off and simply be.
Sound Healing
Discover the wild west coast on horseback, where you will trail ride up the velvet black sands of Muriwai beach and through sand dunes. You’ll stop to let your horse have a drink and splash in the fresh water holes before making your way up through scrubland, tree tunnels and the picturesque Woodhill Forest. Beginner to experienced options available.
+ 1- 3 hours
Breathwork
+ 1- 3 hours
Experience the restorative contrast with the warmth of a wood-fired sauna followed by a refreshing cold plunge at Kula Muriwai. Set in peaceful natural surroundings, this hot-and-cold therapy experience invites you to slow down, reset and leave feeling refreshed and revitalised.
Wine Tasting + Lunch
+ 1- 3 hours
Discover the beauty of Woodhill Forest by bike, with an extensive network of mountain biking trails winding through towering pine forest. Choose a trail to suit your confidence and ability, from relaxed scenic rides to more adventurous tracks for those looking for a challenge.
Good From Scratch - Cookery School
+ 3 hours
Immerse yourself in a hands-on farm-to-table cooking experience at Good From Scratch. Wander the gardens, discover fresh seasonal produce and cook alongside celebrated New Zealand chef Michael Van de Elzen as you transform garden-fresh ingredients into beautiful dishes. A relaxed and memorable taste of rural New Zealand.
Tree Adventures
Head into the treetops at Tree Adventures Woodhill for an exhilarating outdoor experience among the forest. Navigate suspended bridges, ziplines and aerial challenges at your own pace, with courses designed for different ages and confidence levels.
+ 3-4 hours
Mountain Biking
Enjoy a relaxed wine tasting and lunch at The Hunting Lodge, set among the vines in the beautiful Waimauku countryside. Sample locally crafted wines before settling in for a delicious seasonal lunch showcasing fresh, locally sourced New Zealand produce.
+ 3-4 hours
Questions, answered
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Absolutely. As a private experience, we can adjust the pace and walking distances to suit families and younger guests.
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Muriwai's changing weather is part of its wild West Coast character. Tours can operate in light rain and variable conditions, and we may adjust the route to provide the best and safest experience on the day. If conditions aren't suitable, we'll contact you to discuss your options.
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The main nesting season is typically from September to April. Outside these months, we'll spend more time exploring Muriwai's coastline, geology, beaches and other hidden local places.
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No. The Explore Tour is designed to be enjoyed at a relaxed pace. There are some uneven surfaces, steps and gentle inclines, and we'll tailor the experience to your group's abilities. We will walk about 4-5 kms.
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Yes. Every OAIA experience is private, allowing us to adjust the pace and focus around your interests wherever possible.
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Muriwai is a wild West Coast environment and the weather can change quickly, so we recommend dressing comfortably and bringing a few simple essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes
A light rain jacket or windproof layer
Warm layer during the cooler months
Sunhat and sunglasses
Sunscreen
Your camera or phone
A sense of curiosity
We provide bottled water and a refreshment along the way.
If you'd like to experience the optional barefoot forest walk, no special preparation is needed — simply kick off your shoes and reconnect with the landscape beneath your feet.
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We offer complimentary transfers within the Muriwai area. If you’re staying elsewhere, we’re happy to arrange a private pick-up for an additional fee, or if you have your own transport, we can arrange a convenient meeting point in Muriwai. Just let us know where you’re staying when you enquire and we’ll talk you through the best option.
Book Your Experience
Tell us a bit about your plans and preferences and we will help you choose the perfect experience
“Jo has a down to earth approach and is really relatable”
“I love your enthusiasm and enjoy listening to you”
“Jo is a passionate and enthusiastic, while at the same time being down-to-earth and flexible”