Marvelous Muriwai

Batty had a college roommate, a very good friend, visiting from the US for a few weeks, and one of the places she wanted to share with her was my favorite beach in the area, near the community of Muriwai (MOOR-ee-WYE), an hour’s drive northwest of Auckland city. It has a magnificent stretch of black volcanic sand and a nearby gannet colony that can be observed beautifully from simple platforms accessible from a set of steps ascending from the south end of the beach. There was light rain, but not too much wind, so the light was very good, even though rain gear was necessary. We went on fairly short notice and I was not able to get my best camera gear, but I had my little Olympus Tough G4—which, fortunately, is waterproof. I have been to Muriwai several times in the past and have been very fortunate in my photography of the gannets in flight—here is an example—but I was more limited in my capabilities during this visit, just the day before yesterday. I love this place and will return as often as I can!