Mill Bay is another small, pretty beach on the north side of the Manukau Harbour. Access is just off Huia Road, shortly before the turnoff onto the Karangahape Peninsula and Cornwallis. There are two entrances, so don’t panic if you miss the first one. The beach is sheltered by cliffs and gorgeous forest regrowth, including many nikau palms and tī kouka (cabbage trees). There is also a large grassed reserve behind the beach for hanging out and picnics.
On the day of these pictures, a very large group of oystercatchers was hanging around, which is not a common sight. The Manukau Harbour sand bars and flats provide plenty of food at low tide, but they do hang out in groups as juveniles before pairing off as adults.
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