What better way to spend a few hours than by visiting one of Waiheke’s most beautiful areas, and bringing back a bounty of beautiful fresh shellfish?
Whakanewha (pronounced fa-ka-nay-fa … yes it sounds a little like a rude english word) is one of Waiheke’s most beautiful areas, yet it’s still just 15 minutes drive from Oneroa.
Apart from being a natural beauty perfect for a walk or swim (or both!) and housing Waiheke’s only camp ground, Whakanewha Regional Park is also home to a load of beautiful good sized cockles.
As a local I am probably breaking every rule in the book by bringing your attention to this little known ‘gold mine’ – but it’s just too good a secret to keep to myself. Also, I am hoping there will be plenty of cockles to go around provided we all play fairly and within the law (50 cockles max per person per day at the time of writing – but please check before you set off, as local laws can change).
Here’s my quick guide to an enjoyable cockle experience:
- make sure you check the tide times. Cockle hunting is only do-able at low tide. Go out as far as you can, and you’ll hopefully find the cockles hiding just a few inches below the silty black sand.
- take a plastic bag (check for holes!) or bucket so you can take yours spoils home with you in a decent amount of sea water.
- take your kids, the younger the better. It’s a real fun, healthy and safe experience for all the family.
- don’t take more cockles than you think you will eat and certainly don’t take more than the legal max.
- leave the little ones – give them time to grow. Taking a little longer to find bigger ones is part of the challenge.
- don’t be self conscious. The best cockle hunters often have the weirdest techniques (which often looks like ‘dad-dancing’)
- whilst the focus is on finding cockles, remember to look up regularly to take in the scenery and tranquility of the park (it’s as good for your soul as the cockles are for your stomach).
- remember that the best cockle recipe is the simplest. The best cockle meal I have ever had was cooked by my brother in law who simply simmered them in a frying pan with white wine, garlic and herbs. That sort of fantastic meal would set you back $30+ at a local restaurant … but for you it’s free, super fresh, and made with your own love, sweat and fun!
Happy hunting!