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.

Explore Our Experiences
Cliffs overlooking the ocean with seagulls flying above and rocky shoreline below.

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.

  • 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.

    SEE ITINERARY

  • Experience Muriwai at its most magical.

    Explore the coastline as the afternoon light softens, watch the sun sink into the Tasman Sea while enjoy a taste of NZ.

    Perfect for: Couples, photographers, honeymooners and anniversaries

    SEE ITINERARY

  • 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, sound bath or therapeutical massage. Leave feeling relaxed, refreshed and reconnected.

    Perfect for: Couples, wellness travellers, and special occasions.

    SEE ITINERARY

  • Designed especially for families with children.

    • Discover the gannets

    • Spot native wildlife

    • Taste NZ treats

    • 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.

    SEE ITINERARY

  • 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, sound bath, 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.

    SEE ITINERARY OPTIONS

Explore Tour

Sunset over a coastal landscape with large rock formations, cliffs, and seagulls flying in the sky.

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.

  • 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

  • 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

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Sunset experience

Sun setting over the ocean at sunset, with calm water and a clear sky.

EXPERIENCE MURIWAI AT IT’S MOST MAGICAL

Information panel with three sections: clock icon indicating up to 3 hours for the tour, group icon indicating private experiences for up to 7 guests, and dollar sign icon indicating 205 New Zealand dollars per person with a minimum of 2.

BEYOND THE SCENERY

Explore the coastline as the afternoon light softens, enjoy New Zealand refreshments as the sun sinks into the Tasman Sea, and finish with one of Auckland’s most spectacular sunsets.

  • 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

  • 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.

Coastal landscape with tall, sparse plants in the foreground, sandy beach, ocean, and hills in the distance under cloudy sky.

explore+restore

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Icons representing a clock, a group of people, and a dollar sign, with no accompanying text.

Wild + Well - connect

A family sitting on a grassy dune outdoors, with a cloudy sky overhead. The group includes two adult women, a man, and two young girls, all sitting close together and looking in different directions, with some smiling and engaging with each other.

BEYOND THE SCENERY

EXPLORE, PLAY, CONNECT AND EXPERIENCE MURIWAI TOGETHER.

Created especially for families, Wild + Well - Connect is a relaxed and interactive journey through Muriwai that combines adventure, wildlife, local stories and simple moments of connection in nature.

  • 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.

Graphic with three sections. The first shows a clock and states "Length of Tour 4.5-5 Hours." The second displays three people and states "Private Experiences Up to 7 Guests." The third features a dollar sign and states "Cost Per Person From $195 (NZD) Minimum 3."

MURIWAI, YOUR WAY

A person riding a horse along the shoreline during sunset, with the sky painted in soft pastel hues and gentle waves lapping at the beach.

BEYOND THE SCENERY

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.

Discover more options

Make a day of it…

A woman riding a horse through a shallow body of water on a sandy beach with dunes and green plants in the background.

Muriwai Beach Horse Trekking

+ 1- 3 hours

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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

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Experience the restorative contrast with the warmth of a wood-fired sauna followed by a refreshing cold plunge at our beautiful local wellbeing venue. Set in peaceful natural surroundings, this hot-and-cold therapy experience invites you to slow down, reset and leave feeling refreshed and revitalised.

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.

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Sound Healing

Follow a slow, gentle movement practice tailored to your day's intention. Then lie down with blankets and pillows for savasana and relax into a healing sound bath with 432 Hz crystal bowls and other sacred instruments.

+ 1- 3 hours

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Breathwork

+ 1- 3 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.

Wooden building on the left, limestone path in the center, and stacked wine barrels on the right outdoors with bushes and a treeline in the background.

Wine Tasting + Lunch

+ 1- 3 hours

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.

yoga flow

+ 3 hours

60-minute bespoke yoga: choose energising Vinyasa, grounding Slow Flow/Hatha, or restorative Yin—tailored to your body and goals. Optional hands-on adjustments and therapeutic massage ease tension and refine alignment. Curated essential oils and quiet personalised guidance create a safe, restorative session that leaves you balanced and renewed.

Children wearing helmets walk across a suspended rope bridge high in a forest.

Tree Adventures

+ 3-4 hours

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.

A mountain bike with a helmet hanging from the handlebars, resting on a dirt trail surrounded by green plants and trees.

Mountain Biking

+ 3-4 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.

Build Your Perfect Day

Questions, answered

  • Absolutely. As a private experience, we can adjust the pace and walking distances to suit families and younger guests.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Yes. Every OAIA experience is private, allowing us to adjust the pace and focus around your interests wherever possible.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • We would love to create a private experience that is perfect for you. Book your experience and we will be in touch within 24 hours to confirm.

Book Your Experience