Overview
Muriwai Beach is a shifty beach break where the peaks rely on constantly moving sandbars and strong rips for their shape. The left point to the south is prone to backwash in front of the rocks, so many surfers head round the corner to Maori Bay for better-defined peaks along the cliffy bay.
When It Works
It draws swell from south through west-southwest to northwest, with southwest (SW) the best match, and is usable from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft. Both lefts and rights break over the sand, and on a good day it delivers quality peaks. When it's tiny, head north towards Rimmer Rd in a 4WD along the beach highway to maximise size. It's rippy and blown out a lot of the time, so a clean window is worth waiting for.
Wind and Tide
Look for east (E) offshore wind. It can work through low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
The beach is beginner-friendly, but expect a very busy lineup, with crowds gathering at Maori Bay when it's on, which is often.
Access
There's a car park with free parking, plus restrooms, showers, camping and lifeguard cover, and a big motor park behind the dunes. Gannet and seal colonies nearby attract other predators.
