Key summer updates for Muriwai
Food trucks open for business
Muriwai Regional Park visitors will find a range of food options and cool refreshments available at the west coast beach hotspot this summer.
Coffee, pastries, gelato and waffles, Mexican and Mediterranean street food are on the menu for mobile vendors approved by Auckland Council to operate at Motutara Road near the former Sand Dunz Café site from Saturday 8 November 2025.
Auckland Council’s Regional Parks Manager Scott De Silva says after the café closure in 2024, an initial trial last summer with one ice cream and waffle vendor was a success. The council has taken onboard feedback that community and visitors would like greater variety.
“We are confident that these four operators – who are all local businesses, will dish up delights to meet the needs of many park visitors, while also reaching the council’s high standards for sustainability at such a significant site,” says Scott.
“Many people enjoy the convenience of having food available when they come to relax or explore this area and providing mobile options will enhance their experience while we continue to consider options for the unsafe café building.”
Vendors will operate throughout the day, across the summer. The council will review future possibilities for the site after the summer season finishes in 2026.
Gannet Track upgrade limits access
Work to upgrade the Gannet Track at Ōtakamiro Point in Muriwai is progressing well, with a new retaining wall being installed over the next few weeks. The track’s southern entrance from Maukatia Bay will close from Monday to Friday until mid-December 2025, but access will continue to be available for visitors during weekends to the gannet colony viewing areas.
The northern track entrance from Motutara Road at Muriwai Beach remains closed at all times due to safety issues. Work is planned to upgrade the stairs, boardwalk and pathways in March/April 2026 once the gannet nesting period has ended. At the same time, the northern viewing platform will be repositioned to allow for further growth of the gannet colony.
The entire upgrade is on track to be completed by mid-June 2026.
Vehicle access to Muriwai Beach closes for Guy Fawkes
To reduce fire risk during Guy Fawkes celebrations, vehicle access to Muriwai Beach at the Coast Road access point will close from 5am on Sunday 2 November to 8am on Monday 10 November.
Fireworks, fires and camping have always been prohibited on Te Oneone Rangatira / Muriwai Beach. However, to mitigate the high risk of fire spreading during Guy Fawkes and over the New Year period at Muriwai, the council proactively closes the beach access road through Muriwai Regional Park each year.
Read more information on Auckland’s fireworks rules.