2025 Muriwai Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

Hey friends! The Qingming Festival holiday is just around the corner. Do you want to embark on a fantastic journey to New Zealand? From tracking the mysterious trails of whales to exploring the dreamy Hobbiton and the magical glowworm caves, and from summiting New Zealand's Mount Fuji to experiencing the magnificence of the Twelve Apostles, there's also the dark night sky and ancient glaciers waiting for you to explore. Don't miss the heartwarming scene of blue penguin homecoming! Come and get this guide~ -- New Zealand, located in the South Pacific, is known as the "Land of the Long White Cloud." Here, you'll find not only breathtaking 🏞️natural scenery but also a rich history and culture. Explore Māori culture and experience the magical charm of Middle-earth! -- 🚩Suggested Itinerary: A Journey of Discovery in New Zealand🌟 DAY 1-DAY 2: Depart for New Zealand and arrive in Auckland. After being picked up at the airport, your journey begins! The first stop is one of National Geographic's Top 10 Most Beautiful Bird Islands, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Afterward, tour Auckland city and experience the urban landscape. DAY 3: Delve into Hobbiton, as if stepping into a world of elves. Enjoy lunch in a hobbit hole. Then, head to the Agrodome Farm to get up close and personal with adorable animals and experience the magic of the colorful geothermal pools. DAY 4-DAY 5: Visit the mysterious glowworm caves and marvel at the wonders of nature. Then, head to Egmont National Park, New Zealand's version of the Twelve Apostles and Mount Fuji, to capture stunning photos and record beautiful moments. DAY 6-DAY 7: Arrive in Wellington, the capital city, and visit the iconic Beehive Parliament House. Afterward, cross the Cook Strait to the Kaikoura Peninsula on the South Island to track whales and explore the mysteries of the ocean. DAY 8-DAY 9: Travel to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island. Along the way, visit Lake Tekapo, a dark sky reserve. Then, hike in Mount Cook National Park, get close to the Tasman Glacier, and check in at That Wanaka Tree. DAY 10-DAY 11: Arrive in Queenstown and enjoy the freedom to arrange your own itinerary, taking in the stunning lake and mountain scenery. DAY 12: Head to Dunedin to watch the adorable blue penguins return to their nests and experience the warmth and cuteness of nature. DAY 13: Return to Christchurch and board your flight home, concluding your delightful New Zealand journey. 🛫 -- Recommended Attractions: ✨ Waitomo Glowworm Caves: Step into a wonderland of reflected pearls, where green lights twinkle as if you were under a starry sky. Visit in summer and enjoy a peaceful and mysterious boat trip. 🏞️ Hobbiton: Every step is a scene, as if you've walked into the movie "The Lord of the Rings." The magical scenery of Middle-earth awaits your exploration. 🌈 Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: Stroll along the trails, witness mud pools bubbling, and geysers erupting. Every scene is like a dream. 🐄 Agrodome Farm: Get up close and personal with adorable animals, explore the abundant orchards with rows of kiwi fruit trees, and experience the joys of rural life. 🐦 Muriwai Gannet Colony: Dance with gannets on the black sand beach. August to March is the ideal time for gannet viewing, witnessing the spectacular sight of gannets nesting and flying. -- 🧳 Packing List: Essential Items for Your New Zealand Trip 📞 Phone card, plug adapter: Don't forget to prepare these to stay connected and keep your devices charged. 🪪 Passport, visa: Make sure to bring these essential documents for a smooth trip to New Zealand. 👕 Clothing and gear: New Zealand has large temperature differences in March, so a windproof jacket and comfortable shoes are essential. 🔋 Charger, power bank: Key for staying powered up during your trip, so you can capture every wonderful moment. -- For those who love New Zealand, this guide is definitely worth collecting! Don't forget to like and support! ✨

| A Dreamland of Nature 🌊Auckland Bird Island | A Dreamland of Nature✨ 🐦A Bird Paradise: Auckland Bird Island is a kingdom for birds! It is a gathering place for gannets. From August to March every year, about 1,200 pairs of gannets come here to nest and roost. When you climb up to the viewing platform, you will be amazed by the sight of thousands of gannets densely distributed on the reefs. They have pale yellow heads, pointed beaks, and black edges on their wings and tail wings. They pair up and snuggle with each other, like a guard of honor in white dresses. The nests are close to each other, but they are orderly and do not interfere with each other. It's amazing! 🌅Beautiful Sunset: Bird Island is even more breathtaking in the evening! The afterglow of the sunset shines on the sea, sparkling, and the whole sky is dyed orange-red, contrasting with the black sand beach and white gannets, creating a picturesque scene. Photography enthusiasts should not miss this great shooting opportunity, as any random shot can produce a masterpiece! 🌊Magnificent Coastline: The coastline here is rugged and magnificent, with surging waves constantly hitting the reefs on the shore, splashing high water. Standing on a high place and looking out, the sea and sky are the same color, making people feel relaxed and happy. Moreover, it is also a paradise for surfing enthusiasts. If you like surfing, don't miss the opportunity to ride the waves on Bird Island! 🚗Convenient Transportation: Bird Island is about 45 km from downtown Auckland, and it takes less than an hour to drive there, which is very convenient.

| A Romantic Date with Nature. Encounter Auckland's Bird Island | A Romantic Date with Nature 💕 As you step onto this land, the sea breeze carries the scent of the ocean, a salty and free aroma 🌊. In the distance, the azure sky and the vast ocean embrace at the horizon, while white waves continuously kiss the shore, creating a beautiful melody. Bird Island, as the name suggests, is a paradise for birds 🕊. Thousands of white birds perch and soar here. Some rest leisurely on the rocks, while others glide gracefully across the sky. The chirping of birds intertwines, as if nature is performing a grand concert. Standing on the observation deck, overlooking this spectacular scene, one feels awe and emotion, as if time has stopped for this moment. Walking along the coastline, the fine and soft sand beneath your feet feels like stepping on clouds ☁. Surrounding you are oddly shaped rocks, sculpted by time and waves into unique forms, quietly telling stories of the changing seas. At Auckland's Bird Island, you can truly feel the power of nature and the miracle of life. Everything here seems like a treasure bestowed by nature, pure and beautiful, making it hard to leave.

Muriwai Beach, located on the west coast of Auckland’s North Island, is a dramatic and wild stretch of black sand coastline, known for its rugged beauty, surf culture, and the iconic gannet colony. It’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking for outdoor adventures or a scenic coastal getaway. Muriwai Beach is a hotspot for surfers, offering consistent surf breaks that attract both beginners and experienced surfers. Surf schools operate in the area, offering lessons and board rentals. The waves can be powerful, typical of the west coast, making it an exciting destination for surfing enthusiasts. In addition to surfing, Muriwai is a popular destination for kitesurfing and paragliding. The strong winds and open space make it an ideal spot for adrenaline junkies looking for some excitement on the water or in the air. While Muriwai is great for adventure, it's important to note that the beach can have strong rips and currents. There are lifeguards on duty during the summer months in the patrolled swimming areas, so it’s best to swim between the flags. Muriwai Beach is one of the few places in New Zealand where you can drive along the beach, with four-wheel-drive vehicles allowed on the sand at certain times. However, it’s important to follow local regulations and check tide times to avoid getting stuck in soft sand or rising tides. Muriwai Beach has basic amenities such as toilets, picnic tables, and BBQ areas. There are also a few cafés and accommodation options nearby for those wanting to stay longer and explore the area in depth. Muriwai Beach offers a unique combination of rugged natural beauty, adventure sports, and fascinating wildlife. Whether you're there to surf, hike, or simply enjoy the stunning coastal views, it's a destination that showcases the wild, untamed spirit of New Zealand's west coast.

#traveldiaries Auckland is not just about city life; its proximity to some of New Zealand’s most stunning beaches is what makes it truly special. I took a drive to the rugged west coast to visit Piha and Muriwai, two of the most famous beaches in the region. Piha is a surfer’s paradise, with its wild waves and iconic Lion Rock standing guard over the black sand beach. It’s also a great spot for hiking, with the nearby tracks offering amazing views of the coastline. Muriwai Beach, known for its dramatic cliffs and resident gannet colony, is another must-see. The sight of hundreds of gannets nesting along the cliffs is an extraordinary wildlife experience, and the coastal views are equally impressive. If you’re lucky, you might even catch sight of dolphins playing in the surf.

If you come to Auckland, the place I recommend the most is Bird Island. Bring some food, water, surfing equipment, you can stay from sunrise to sunset, it's incredibly beautiful. If you like to catch sea, you can also pick up some mussels to come back, natural and pollution-free seafood, but one person cannot exceed 25, you have to watch the tide rise and fall time, safety first