Coast Road access to Te Oneone Rangatira / Muriwai Beach will close from Saturday 2 November through to Monday 11 November to reduce the risk of fire from fireworks. Photo: Auckland Council / Supplied
Auckland Council will again restrict car access to Muriwai Beach during Guy Fawkes and New Year's due to increased fire risk.
Gates to beach access roads will remain closed from 2-11 November.
They will close again from 31 December until 13 January, and that period could be extended.
Regional park manager Scott De Silva said vehicle restrictions since 2020 had significantly reduced stress on fire and emergency services.
"We know that temporarily limiting access when there is a high fire risk reduces the potential for devastation to occur."
Councillor Josephine Bartley said it was necessary to protect the environment.
"There are serious concerns about the potential threat from fire associated with fireworks along isolated stretches of Muriwai's 60km coastline. We will continue to manage that risk by limiting vehicle access during Guy Fawkes, as well as over the New Year."
Closures have been approved through to 2026. At other times, drivers will need a permit.
"As part of this process, we ask you to go over the road rules on beaches and the speed limit variations to ensure you drive appropriately at all times," De Silva said.
"Both of these wild West Coast landscapes are constantly changing. Driving along the beach requires drivers to apply additional skills and be aware of the potential hazards that can arise at any time."
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