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Muriwai it's a rough sea, black sand beach on the west coast and a favourite surfing spot. Prepare to be amazed and take a spare memory card... We visit the Gannet colony at Muriwai.
It's all about the birds the beach and the waves.
We'll travel through a beautiful countryside, and we'll visit some fine vineyards on the way too, but ultimately it's the birds and the beach we are aiming to photograph!
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Photo Opportunities: |
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- The Gannet colony
- Muriwai beach dramatic scenery
- Surfers and Kite surfers braving the sea
- The Kumeu Wineyards
- Rolling hills and sheep farms
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Today we drive west and kick start the day with a tour of
some of the finest winemakers of the Auckland area - the Kumeu Wineries. The setting of the vineyards is beautiful and offers fine photography opportunities, particularly in spring and autumn. During some winter days,, the bare branches of the wines are a striking sight too...
After leaving State Highway 16 on the final leg to Muriwai, we drive through a beautiful land of a rolling hills sheep farm. The white sheep form beautiful patterns on the green pastures and In spring the new lambs offer delightful sights.
And then there's Muriwai.
We start at the top of the hill. Access is restricted to the two viewing platforms but along the way the views of the striking high cliffs and rough sea expanse dotted by the Gannets in flight are truly stunning.
The viewing platforms offer amazing close up encounters with these beautiful birds and I'm sure that you won't be disappointed.
One looses sense of time watching and photographing the busy bird's life and it's really quite difficult to let go...
Then its time to check the best spots to photograph the surfers and the waves. A stroll on the beach yields great photo opportunities too while waiting for the sun to go down and surprise us with the day's array of amazing Muriwai sunset colours.
There's one more thing to do on the way back to Auckland. Huapai is home of Dante's Real Woodfired Pizza. This is New Zealand's only
Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana certified pizza, and believe me after such a day out that may be just what you need... |
