For the Birds–Again

I have written about Muriwai Regional Park several times before, and it holds a very special fascination for me. It contains a magnificent beach on the western shore of the North Island, in the Waitakere Ranges, a little less than an hour’s drive from Auckland, and is the home many sea birds, most notably a famous colony of Australasian gannets (Morus serrator). This is one of only three places in New Zealand where gannets nest on the mainland, and is by far the most accessible. Some 1200 gannets nest here from August to March. A short hike leads up from the northern beach to two overlook platforms, providing spectacular views of these amazing fliers and their nesting grounds. The beach itself is well worth visiting for a lovely stroll, pretty much regardless of the weather, though it can really pay to be prepared for sudden squalls that can appear with very short notice. Batty and The Sprout (now two years and nine months old) took me back for another long-overdue visit last week. How delightful!