This summer, temporary vehicle restrictions will again apply at Muriwai Beach from 29 December 2023 through to mid-January 2024, although this may be extended if requested by Fire and Emergency New Zealand should the area be under an extreme fire risk.
To prioritise safety and protect Te Oneone Rangatira / Muriwai Beach environment, Auckland Council has restricted vehicle access to the beach from late December to mid-January since 2020.
Auckland Council’s Principal Specialist Regional Parks Stephen Bell says these measures help to ensure everyone can safely enjoy the beach during the peak period, when a wide range of recreational users come together.
“During past closures, people have felt safer without vehicles on the beach. Our focus this summer is to continue prioritising safety and doing our best to protect wildlife, by temporarily reducing vehicle movements and promoting responsible driver behaviour.
“These measures will also help mitigate a serious fire risk to the adjoining forest during what is likely to be a hot, dry summer,” says Stephen.
Recreational driving is prohibited on all Auckland beaches although it is permitted under specific conditions on Te Oneone Rangatira / Muriwai Beach and Kariotahi Beach. Drivers with a permit in registered vehicles can access the beach outside closures, providing they comply with specific beach driving rules.
To clarify the rules and help recreational beach drivers understand their responsibilities, the council’s permitting system is currently undergoing changes. Permits may be proactively cancelled this year where permit conditions and driving standards are not being met.
A decision made by the council’s Planning, Environment and Parks Committee in October 2023 also resulted in additional vehicle restrictions at Muriwai Beach this year during Guy Fawkes. The same restrictions will apply for the next three years, as well as during the summer break. Read more here.
Committee Chair Councillor Richard Hills says this is another step in the right direction to encourage responsible driver behaviour and ensure the fragile ecosystems at Muriwai receive the protection they deserve.
“We must continue to carefully balance the ability for everyone to have access to nature, on land and the coast, with the ongoing need to protect and preserve this significant natural landscape.
“It is pleasing to see people acknowledge and accept that having vehicles on Muriwai Beach is an activity that needs to be more actively managed,” says Cr Hills.
To advise motorists of the vehicle closure this summer, signage will be in place at the SH 16 Kumeu turn-off to Muriwai Road and on South Head Road north of Parakai, as well as approaching two beach entry points on Coast Road and Wilson Road.
Gates at these two entry points will be locked throughout the closure.
The council’s Regional Parks team will continue to work closely with other agencies throughout the summer to monitor vehicle movements – including Police, Auckland Transport and Fire and Emergency New Zealand and continue to engage with mana whenua.
