Cockle Bay

With its breathtakingly beautiful beaches, it’s easy to see why Howick was once the seaside destination for Aucklanders. Today, the beaches provide a wonderful recreational opportunity for residents and visitors alike. Take a stroll along Cockle Bay and look out for the pohutukawa tree at the eastern end of this beautiful beach. According to Māori legend, Manawatere, a chief from Hawaiiki passed on his way to Maraetai and left his mark in red ochre (karamea) as a sign to those following that he had been there. Cockle Bay is still fringed by Pohutakawa trees today and there is a petanque pitch and a peaceful ambience which make it a welcome respite from a busy day’s shopping.

 

On the Cockle Bay waterfront is the historic Windross Restaurant. Formerly ‘Owhanga’, it was located in Cook Street, opposite All Saints Church.  ‘Owhanga’ was the home of the Windross family who had a smallholding which extended through to Moore Street.  After the Windross children left home, the house was sold to the Anglican Church, who thereafter sold it on to the local Council,who moved it to its today’s location.  Today,  the Windross Restaurant, as it is now known, serves modern Italian food in  tasteful, romantic surroundings at the water’s edge.