Location of the Miranda Shorebird Centre
WHERE: The Miranda Shorebird Centre is located on the Firth of Thames, one hour south east of Auckland and half an hour west of the Coromandel Peninsula. Please note there are no public transport services to or from Miranda.
However an on demand shuttle service does operate locally.
Photo Credit: Brian Chudleigh
The Firth of Thames, extending north from the Hauraki Plains and flanked by the bush clad hills of the Hunua Ranges to the west and the Coromandel Ranges to the east, includes the intertidal flats totalling up to 8500 hectares. These attract thousands of migratory wading birds from home and abroad.
Extensive shellbanks have formed along the coast and these provide excellent and safe roosting areas for birds at high tide. The easy viewing of these shellbanks makes them attractive for birdwatching.
Photo Credit: Brian Chudleigh
Miranda is also known for its rare 'Chenier' plain geology of shell ridges and infilled mud, its coastal flora and its rich marine fauna.
WHAT: The Miranda coast is a world-renowned destination for birdwatchers. Thousands of wading birds from the Arctic tundra, along with similar numbers of New Zealand breeding shorebirds are present at Miranda each year.
The Miranda Shorebird Centre is an information and education centre. It is also a lodge for birders as well as anyone else. It features extensive displays on the natural history of Miranda and its international significance.
The Firth of Thames is listed under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international significance. It is also officially designated a site on the East Asia-Australasia Shorebird Site Network. This network seeks to identify and protect key stopover sites used by migratory birds on the journey between their Arctic breeding grounds and the wintering sites in Australia and New Zealand .
Firth of Thames, 283 East Coast Rd, R.D. 3, POKENO, New Zealand
Phone / Fax: +64 9 232 2781 Email:admin@miranda-shorebird.org.nz