Print of Gannets: John Gould
Photograph courtesy: Muriwai golf club
Description
Muriwai Regional Park is a windswept rugged coastline stretching 60 km north. It is one of New Zealand's most spectacular black sand surf beaches. At its southern end, Otakamiro Point is the site of one of this country's few mainland Gannet breeding colonies. This headland and offshore islands are also home to white fronted terns, blue penguins and fur seals.
The Takapu Refuge is located at the southern end of Muriwai beach and is an established breeding area for gannets. About 1,200 pairs of adult gannets nest here each summer and can be seen between August and March each year.
Fur seals feed and rest at Oaia Island, 1.6km off the coast and can sometimes be seen during spring.
History
In 1979 the Auckland Regional Council (then ARA) established the Takapu Refuge with the help of the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society.
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