The Natural Tunnel at Maukatia Bay
Maukatia Bay, located at the northern end of Auckland's Muriwai Beach, is home to a hidden natural tunnel beneath Otakamiro Point. This intriguing feature lies below the southern edge of the Muriwai gannet colony and is easy to overlook.
Walking Through the Tunnel
You can safely explore the tunnel during low tide. As you walk through, look up to see gannets gracefully hovering in the breeze above the cliffs. If the tunnel is inaccessible, you can navigate around the rocks to reach the seaward entrance. However, always be cautious, as New Zealand's West Coast beaches are known for their strong surf.
How to Get There
Maukatia Bay is immediately south of Muriwai Beach and is connected by Waitea Road. From Wiatea Road, take the access road to the car park above the beach, then walk to the north end of the beach below the cliffs of Otakamiro Point. You will see the tunnel as you approach the cliffs.
Other options around Muriwai include a walk to Tirikohua Point from Constable Road,
