On the headland between Muriwai and Maori Bay, you can have the unique experience of viewing a Gannet colony from up close. When the colony was smaller the gannets were present on the outer islands, however as their numbers swelled they have been forced to come closer and closer to the viewing areas on the mainland. This means you can literally stand meters away from a wild bird that is fearless of humans close by in their own environment. In nest-building and breeding time, and when the birds are caring for their chicks you can experience these large and graceful creatures manoeuvring on the gusts of wind just out of arms reach above you. This is a truly hypnotic and completely free experience that visitors to Auckland really should see. And if you live here and haven’t been out to take a look, I highly recommend it. Gannets are nesting August — March; they are not there all year around.
