West Coast Day Trip: Piha and Muriwai from Auckland
Plan a day trip from Auckland to Piha and Muriwai with this guide to travel times, surf safety and west coast highlights.
For guests at Parkside Hotel & Apartments, a trip to Auckland’s rugged west coast is a must. Less than an hour’s drive from the city, Piha and Muriwai showcase dramatic black-sand beaches, native rainforest and wild coastal scenery that’s unlike anywhere else in the region.
Reaching the West Coast
You can easily explore both beaches in one day by car or guided tour. Piha lies about 45 minutes west of central Auckland via Scenic Drive through the Waitākere Ranges, while Muriwai is around 50 minutes north-west. Both routes offer spectacular outlooks and winding bush roads typical of Auckland’s western hills.
Piha Beach Highlights
Piha is famous for its inky volcanic sand, surf breaks and the iconic Lion Rock that divides North and South Piha. Even if you’re not surfing, it’s a photographer’s dream, with walking tracks like the Tasman Lookout Track offering sweeping ocean views.
Always swim between the red and yellow flags, the surf can be powerful, and conditions change quickly. For beach safety updates, visit Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
Piha Beach
Muriwai Beach and Gannet Colony
Further north, Muriwai Beach stretches for over 50 kilometres of black sand and wind-sculpted dunes. The viewing platforms above Otakamiro Point overlook the gannet colony, home to thousands of Australasian gannets from August to March. It’s one of only three mainland gannet colonies in New Zealand and an easy 5–10 minute walk from the carpark.
Surf schools operate near the main entrance, and 4WD access is allowed on certain sections of the beach with a permit (check details on the Auckland Council – Muriwai Beach page).
Muriwai Gannet Colony
Return to Comfort at Parkside
After a day on the coast, return to the comfort of Parkside Hotel & Apartments for a hot shower, city views and modern amenities. It’s the perfect way to unwind after exploring Auckland’s wild west, where urban convenience meets untamed nature. Book your stay with us today!
