Muriwai’s Gannets

The Muriwai gannets keep coming back year after year because Muriwai provides everything they need to successfully breed, raise their chicks, and thrive. Perched on the windswept cliffs at Otakamiro Point, the gannet colony is a spectacular sight, and it’s no wonder these birds have chosen this dramatic stretch of coastline as their home.

The cliffs at Muriwai offer the perfect nesting environment. Steep, open, and constantly brushed by sea breezes, they allow gannets to easily take off and land—a crucial part of their breeding behaviour. The ledges are safe from ground predators and give the birds a clear view of the vast Tasman Sea, where they spend hours soaring, diving, and fishing.

Food is another major reason the gannets return to Muriwai. The surrounding waters are rich in small fish like pilchards and anchovies, which are drawn to the nutrient-rich currents that sweep up the west coast. Gannets are incredible hunters, diving from heights of up to 30 metres and hitting the water at speeds close to 100 kilometres per hour. With such a bountiful food supply close by, adult birds can feed themselves and bring back enough fish to raise strong, healthy chicks.

These birds are also incredibly loyal—to both their mates and their nesting grounds. Once a gannet has bred successfully in a spot like Muriwai, it’s highly likely to return to that exact location each season. Many even rebuild their nests on the same patch of cliff, using seaweed, grasses, and guano to form the solid, weather-resistant mounds that dot the headland.

The climate plays its part too. Muriwai’s conditions are well suited to the gannets’ needs, offering a long and stable breeding season that stretches from August to March. The winds help the birds fly efficiently, while the moderate coastal temperatures create a hospitable environment for nesting and chick rearing.

Most importantly, the gannet colony at Muriwai is protected. As part of the wider regional park, the area is carefully managed to limit human disturbance and preserve the delicate balance of wildlife and habitat. This protection gives the gannets the peace and space they need to return, year after year, to continue the cycle of life.

Visitors to Muriwai often describe the experience of watching the gannets as unforgettable. The sound of the wind, the crash of the waves below, and the sight of hundreds of white birds soaring above the cliffs create a sense of wonder and connection to nature. The return of the gannets each year is a sign that this wild coastal sanctuary is not only surviving, but thriving—offering a rare and beautiful glimpse into the rhythms of the natural world.