Miranda Wildlife Refuge field trip

Auckland region

Flock of South Island pied oystercatcher, Miranda. Photo: D Veitch.

Flock of South Island pied oystercatcher at Miranda Wildlife Refuge

Map of New Zealand showing the Auckland region.

Listed as an internationally significant wetland under the Ramsar Convention, the Miranda Wildlife Refuge and nearby wetlands are a seasonal home to thousands of wading and shore birds.

The area (an hour's drive from Auckland), at the south-western corner of the Firth of Thames, is suitable for day or longer visits from Auckland or Waikato. The Miranda Naturalists' Trust manages a shorebird centre at the site and offers accommodation and guided programmes by arrangement.

The two teaching resources provide information on the area and shorebirds found at the Miranda Shorebird Centre and surrounding coastal wetlands.