Muriwai Beach Vehicle Access Closed Due to Extreme Fire Risk

Auckland’s dry spell has hit hard, and now, with fire danger reaching its peak, vehicle access to Muriwai Beach is being shut down until further notice. From 8 a.m. on Wednesday, 19 March, the gates at Coast Road and Wilson Road will be locked, preventing vehicles from driving onto the black sands of one of Auckland’s most popular west coast beaches.

The move follows Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s total fire ban, implemented across Tāmaki Makaurau on Friday, 14 March. With little to no significant rain in sight, conditions remain dangerously dry. Even with a few light showers forecast, they won’t be enough to make a difference—the risk of fire spreading stays high, especially heading into the later part of the week.

For those still wanting to visit Muriwai, access on foot or horseback is still open. Signage will be in place to inform drivers of the closure, and authorities will reassess the situation when conditions improve.

It’s a stark reminder of how fragile our landscapes can be during extreme weather. With the fire risk high across Auckland’s regional parks, authorities are urging everyone to take extra care and avoid anything that could spark a blaze.

We’ll keep you updated as the situation changes. In the meantime, stay safe, respect the restrictions, and keep an eye on official updates before planning your next beach trip.