Auckland Council measures to improve safety and reduce fire risk at Te Oneone Rangatira / Muriwai Beach during the height of summer will be in place from New Year’s Eve through to mid-January 2025.
There will be no vehicle access to the beach from 31 December until 13 January, except when an emergency response or rescue operation is needed. The popular west coast surf beach will still be accessible on foot (or horseback), for visitors and locals to enjoy the beach and surrounding parkland.
Parks Committee chair, Councillor Ken Turner, says recreational four-wheel drivers will still have access to Muriwai and Karioitahi beaches at other times. He thanks recreational drivers ahead of the Muriwai closure for their common sense and respect for the area and others.
“Summer holidays are the busiest time of the year at our beaches. Muriwai attracts a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, alongside children playing and families picnicking. This leads to heightened risk, especially around vehicles, so we must do whatever we can to provide a safe and stress-free beach experience for everyone.
“It doesn't matter what time of year it is, it only takes a couple of people being silly to spoil it for everyone, and I will continue my efforts to secure increased funding for the Regional Park Ranger Service so they can have a more visible presence year-round to help ensure everyone's access most of the time," Cr Turner says.
Parks committee deputy chair Councillor Mike Lee agrees with the need for a temporary closure, highlighting the concern of long-term impact from vehicles on the threatened toheroa shellfish.
“Vehicles have a damaging impact on this taonga. A temporary closure gives this species a breather, at what would be the busiest time of the year,” Cr Lee says.
Muriwai Beach has been vehicle free over the same New Year and peak summer
period every year since 2020, and more recently during Guy Fawkes to reduce the risk of fireworks and campfires. Neither fireworks or camping are permitted anywhere along the coastline due to the associated risks.
Gates at two main access roads to the beach will be locked from 5am on 31 December – at Coast Road, near Muriwai Golf Club, and Wilson Road further north. Wilson Road will remain closed through to the end of January while tree felling at Woodhill Forest is carried out.
Barriers, signage and security will also be in place.
Regional Parks Manager Scott De Silva says most drivers respect the need to keep Muriwai Beach vehicle-free at times, as shown by a successful Guy Fawkes closure.
Rangers continue to raise awareness of the rules for safe beach driving to prepare for when vehicle access reopens at 8am on 13 January.
“We want all drivers and beachgoers to keep spreading word of the need to treat this constantly changing environment with the respect it deserves,” Mr De Silva says.
“We’re also encouraging anyone that hasn’t renewed their beach driving permit to do that online during the New Year closure, and make sure your vehicle has the specifications needed to stay safe on a beach.”
Muriwai and Karioitahi beaches are technically ‘roads’ which means drivers must follow the speed limits, wear seatbelts and drive a registered and warranted vehicle – but specialised equipment and extreme caution is also needed to avoid serious hazards.
NZ Police will be working alongside the council and NZTA this summer to patrol the beach and encourage responsible driving behaviour.
Depending on weather conditions and fire risk, Muriwai Beach road entries may stay closed beyond 13 January to protect the environment, if recommended by Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
Know your responsibilities – essential for beach driving:
- Identify the speed limits and stick to them
- Drive a registered and warranted vehicle
- Keep a safe distance from others
- Stay out of the dunes and the forest
- Have a current beach driving permit and driver licence
- Check tyre pressure and take safety equipment – spade, tow rope etc
- Understand the tides
- Wear seatbelts
- Look out for partially submerged objects
- Slow down around animals and people
- Respect and look after this stunning environment.
