Muriwai Regional Park

Muriwai Regional Park is a regional park located in Muriwai on the west coast of the Auckland Region of New Zealand's North Island. It is situated in Rodney north-west of Auckland and is owned and operated by Auckland Council.[1]

Muriwai Regional Park
Gannet colony at Otakamiro Point
Muriwai Regional Park is located in New Zealand Auckland
Muriwai Regional Park
LocationMuriwai, Rodney, Auckland, New Zealand
Coordinates36.831512°S 174.4245704°E / -36.831512; 174.4245704
Operated byAuckland Council

Geography

Maukatia (Maori Bay) to the south is separated from Muriwai Beach by Otakamiro Point, with its steep cliffs and rocky nesting areas that are home to the region's only colony of Australasian gannets. The site of the gannetry has been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.[2]

History

The park's origins begin in 1906, when a public domain was established at Motutara, the gannet colony. After a series of enlargements, the area became the Muriwai Regional Park in 1969.[3]

Recreation

The Regional Park includes a golf course along Coast Road, and the area north of Okiritoto Stream is known as the "Five Mile Strip" or "Five Mile Block" as this is its approximate length. A horse park (parking area for horse floats and trucks to unload) is located just to the south of Okiritoto Stream. 4WD access on to the beach is also provided at this point.[1]

The Five Mile Block has recreational trails for both walking and horse-riding.[4] Cyclists can use Coast Road as far as the top of the Regional Park, but are not permitted into the adjoining Woodhill Forest by the forest managers. Dog walkers also frequent the area, as it provides a wide range of off-leash walking opportunities.[1]

  • Wild coast and gannet colony - Motutara Island
    Wild coast and gannet colony - Motutara Island
  • A closer look at the colony
    A closer look at the colony
  • Gannets at Muriwai; adults and one young bird
    Gannets at Muriwai; adults and one young bird
  • Adult and child Gannet at Muriwai
    Adult and child gannet at Muriwai

References
  1. "Council profile". aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Auckland Council.
  2. BirdLife International. (2012). Important Bird Areas factsheet: Gannet Island. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 2012-02-16.
  3. Cameron, Ewen; Hayward, Bruce; Murdoch, Graeme (2008). A Field Guide to Auckland: Exploring the Region's Natural and Historical Heritage (rev. ed.). Random House New Zealand. p. 156-157. ISBN 978-1-86962-1513.
  4. "Muriwai Beach and Regional Park". NZ Bridleways. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
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