“Check out the old changing rooms,” they said. That’s what I heard as I wandered toward Waikōwhai Bay Changing Rooms. Now, I’ll tell you why these aren’t just any old changing rooms.
Waikōwhai Bay gets its name from the Māori language. Wai means water. Kōwhai is a native tree with bright yellow flowers. The name Waikōwhai means “Kōwhai trees by the water’s edge.” The valley once thrived with these flowering trees.
Sadly, not many mature kōwhai trees remain by the bay. This is because in the 1960s, it became a dumpsite. Imagine that. A beach on the Manukau Harbour filled with furniture, car parts, and building materials.
Thankfully, that short-sighted decision was reversed. The tip was closed and replanted. Now, Waikōwhai Bay is a nice place to swim again. The water quality constantly achieves great results.
These historical changing rooms make the bay a bit more interesting. They stand as a reminder of the bay’s past. The changing rooms have seen it all. They’ve witnessed the bay’s degradation and its renewal.
Waikōwhai Bay is surrounded by native bush. It is a haven for native birds. Keep an eye out for tui, kingfishers, and rosellas. You might spot kōtare, petrels, and oystercatchers too.
The bay offers great views of Puketutu and Māngere Mountain on a clear day. However, some infrastructure brings down the area’s aesthetic appeal.
The water can sometimes be murky. Especially on an outgoing tide. Also, there is a stormwater pipe on the beach. It doesn’t enhance the natural beauty. The bay needs some care to reach its full potential.
The Waikōwhai Bay Changing Rooms serve as a starting point. From here, you can walk along the beach. If you head to the far end, you’ll find a nice spot to enjoy the incoming tide.
While Waikōwhai Bay might not be the greatest spot, it has its charms. It’s a place with a story. A story of misuse and recovery. The Waikōwhai Bay Changing Rooms are silent witnesses to this story. They stand as a testament to the bay’s history. A history we should remember as we enjoy this revitalized space.