Muriwai Beach iron sands reach to the sea and sky. Soaring cliffs, rugged coast and hues of black and grey provide the backdrop for the gannets annual breeding season. Between August and March witnesses hundreds of gannets raise chicks within a few metres of tourists gawping at the sheer density of birds.

Let’s escape on a virtual holiday, Mackenzie country New Zealand, landscapes, scenery, walks and wildlife, especially the cheeky kea parrot. Plan, dream, explore our backyard, holiday here.

Glacier lakes. Mountain scenery.

Kea Point Walk, an alternative to the Hooker Valley track.