Exploring Mill Bay
Mill Bay is a small, charming bay and sandy beach located on the northern side of the Manukau Harbour, nestled at the edge of the Waitākere Ranges of Auckland. This secluded spot is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat, as most people head to the better-known Cornwallis Beach nearby. The beach is easily accessible from Huia Road, just before the turnoff to the Karangahape Peninsula and Cornwallis. If you miss the first entrance, don't worry; there is a second one just down the road.
Natural Beauty and History
Mill Bay is sheltered by attractive cliffs and regrowth forest, with an abundance of nīkau palms and tī kōuka (cabbage trees). Behind the beach, a large grassed reserve provides an ideal setting for picnics and hanging out. The bay's name originates from the forestry mills that once processed kauri logs harvested from the extensive kauri forests in the area, which are now regenerating.
Wildlife at Mill Bay
The bay is a popular hangout for young oystercatchers. The sandbars and flats of the Manukau Harbour offer ample food for these birds at low tide, and juvenile oystercatchers often gather in big groups before pairing off as adults.
How to Get There
To reach Mill Bay, take Huia Road from the Scenic Drive in Titirangi (15-minute drive) and look for the signposted entrance just before the turnoff to Cornwallis Beach. From Downtown Auckland, it is a 50-minute drive. There is plenty of parking at the end of the short access road. It is best to be there as the tide goes out, as the beach is covered by water at high tide.
Other nearby places to visit include Cornwallis Wharf, Pūponga Point, text, Kaitarakihi Bay, Kaitarakihi Point and Huia.
