The viewing points in Muriwai Regional Park, situated above the gannets’ nesting site, reopened to the public on December 20, 2024.
Recent geotechnical reports and engineering assessments have confirmed that the area is now safe for pedestrian access. However, further work will be necessary to address the damage caused by the 2023 storms, which will require another closure after the gannets migrate in 2025.
“This year, we are expecting to see plenty of healthy chicks emerge as the colony grows from now through to the end of summer, and then they’ll eventually all take flight.
“The track provides some great vantage points to come and see the gannets until about March or April,” says Mr Markham, Regional Parks Western Principal Ranger.
The Muriwai colony is one of only three Australasian gannet nesting sites in New Zealand and is the most accessible. The largest mainland colony is at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay, with around 5,000 breeding pairs, followed by populations of around 1,000 at both Muriwai and Farewell Spit at the top of the South Island.
Visitors are advised to check the track status before leaving home. Car parking is recommended in the Waitea Road car park. Follow the signs towards Maukatia / Māori Bay and look out for the unique ancient lava pillow formations on your way to Ōtakamiro Point. Rangers remind visitors that dogs are not permitted on the track.
