Discover Maunga-taketake / Elletts Beach
Located at the far western edge of the Ihumātao Peninsula in Māngere, Maunga-taketake / Elletts Beach is a remote and undeveloped stretch of tidal sand and flats. This Auckland beach, facing the open Manukau Harbour, is surrounded by grasslands and is a haven for seabirds. The cries of these birds fill the air, creating a serene atmosphere far removed from the city’s bustle.
A Landscape with History
The name Maunga-taketake refers to the headland at the southern end of the beach. This area was once dominated by a prominent volcanic cone, which has been heavily quarried and is now partially flattened. Despite these changes, the landscape maintains a strong sense of identity. From the beach, you can enjoy views across the harbour to the Āwhitu Peninsula, the Manukau Heads, and the Waitākere Ranges.
Natural Beauty and Birdlife
Elletts Beach has a raw, natural character. The beach extends for several hundred metres, bordered by low dunes and patches of regenerating vegetation. At low tide, expansive mudflats stretch into the harbour, attracting wading birds and providing reflective views across the water.
This location is one of the best on the peninsula for observing kōtuku ngutupapa (royal spoonbill), often seen feeding in the shallows or roosting along the tide line. The beach is also a crucial nesting and foraging site for other shorebirds, and its low-impact development helps protect this ecosystem. It is an ideal spot for bird photography.
How to Get There
To visit Maunga-taketake / Elletts Beach from Downtown Auckland, take the western motorway, then the eastern motorway towards Mangere. Continue to George Bolt Memorial Drive, then head west onto Ihumatao Road. Continue until you reach the end of the road and park above the beach.
At low tide, you can walk north along the coast to Ōtuataua Stonefields, then continue on the Watercare Coastal Walkway to Puketutu Island, Māngere Lagoon and Ambury Regional Park. To the southeast of this beach, you can also discover kauri fossils at Ō Whata / Renton Beach.
