A Sheltered Harbour Bay
Big Bay is one of several small residential bays on the northeastern tip of the Āwhitu Peninsula within the Manukau Harbour. It is tucked just around the headland from Grahams Beach and faces across the Manukau Harbour toward the Waitākere Ranges. On clear days, you can see the skyline of Downtown Auckland. It is a quiet, predominantly bach-and-holiday-home community with a boat ramp and easy access to the harbour.
The Bay and its Beach
Big Bay sits on a natural curve of the harbour foreshore. The beach is sheltered from the prevailing westerlies by the peninsula's ridge, giving calm conditions suited to swimming, kayaking and boating. The tidal range here is considerable, and at low tide the flats extend well out into the harbour, exposing cockle beds and the feeding grounds of oystercatchers, pied stilts and herons. The best swimming is in the two hours either side of high tide. The bay's aspect gives it good afternoon sun and long evening light in summer, and views across to the Waitākere Ranges provide a constant backdrop. Some of the baches and holiday homes along the waterfront are accessible only at low tide, which adds to the sense of isolation.
A boat ramp at Big Bay provides access to the Manukau Harbour, which is popular with recreational fishers. Snapper, kahawai and flounder are among the species caught in the area. Check harbour conditions and tides before heading out. There is also a campground at the east end of the Bay.
How to Get There
From Waiuku, follow Awhitu Road through the small township of Āwhitu onto Āwhitu Central Road, then turn north onto Tram Gully Road. This becomes Graham Beach Road, and follow this to another turn north onto Big Bay Road to Big Bay. This drive takes 43 minutes and is 43 km. The roads in this area are sealed, but can be narrow at times.
Nearby places to visit include Āwhitu Central, Grahams Beach, Ōrua Bay, Wattle Bay, Āwhitu Regional Park and Manukau South Head.
