The Miranda Bird Sanctuary is a little gem of a spot often overlooked by Aucklanders considering it’s only an hours drive away however growing up in South Auckland (think school camps!) and a family connection to the region; this area is firmly on the ol’ radar.
I’m really enjoying my weekend walks and reading the back catalogue of the New Zealand Geographic (thanks to the local library); learning more about the issues facing many of our endangered species in New Zealand. The Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre offers an educational experience on the local bird life in the Kaiaua area…and there is a 30 minute walk (one way)...obviously 1 hour return to do a bit of bird spotting.
Mama and I started at the Miranda Shorebird Centre…crossing the road into the reserve…where we were joined by Uncle Denny and Casey via FaceTime in Australia…
…the walk is flat and there are only a few fences to climb over…
…look, no hands! Kids of all ages love a good old fence jiggle! And yes, I’m wearing a t-shirt in May!
^^Mama and I saying hi!
We didn’t time our visit with high tide unfortunately so it meant there wasn’t a lot of wildlife on show however we did spot a few birds including the beautiful kingfisher (I was looking at a piece of scrub thinking it was a bird and mama was looking at a Kingfisher…I won’t be leaving my day job as an Accountant to become a bird watcher influencer folks)……and a bloody magpie.
The Miranda Bird Sanctuary is a bird lovers paradise, with shorebirds often exceeding 10,000 along the coastline at certain times of the year.
We enjoyed walking along the pools…
…snooping on the birds…
…while trying to stay really really quiet…
…if you know me, you’ll know I don’t have an inside voice!
You can veer off the walkway and spend time in some of the cute little hides…remember to bring your binoculars for some really good bird peeping opportunities.
As our younger generations take a vested interest in climate change (which we all need to do!), this is a great and pretty easy way to educate our youngsters as the Miranda Bird Sanctuary is all about promoting awareness of our beautiful New Zealand wildlife and also coastal ecology…they’ve done the hard work for you.
Miranda, Kaiaua and Mangatangi is a beautiful area for a Sunday drive…the rolling hills and farmland is stunning…and make sure you’re the first one to see the sea first…mama won but then she’s had years of practice as she grew up in this area.
After a horrendous month end…this walk and getting back to nature was just what the doctor ordered…the best things in life are free!
Where is your favourite spot for bird watching or getting back to nature in New Zealand or abroad?
Travel Tips for Miranda, Thames
- Pop into the Miranda Hot Pools…I visited last year when I was home from England and they were empty mid-week…they could do with a make over however it’s a nice little stop on your road trip.
- Visit the Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre to learn more about the wildlife and changes to the coast line; buying an item in the shop helps support the centre. (Address: 283 East Coast Road,
Miranda 2473, New Zealand) - Kaiaua Fisheries is famous for it’s fish and chips…just be aware that it’s not cheap…think Auckland prices plus more! (Address: E Coast Rd, Kaiaua 1870)
xx
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