Collect Cockles at Shakespear Regional Park

Kia Ora Guys! How’s your summer holiday been so far? It was raining throughout the Christmas here in Auckland, Finally, its sunny again last Thursday. I think this is a perfect weather for me and family             collecting cockles where else if not in Okoromai Bay, Shakespear Regional Park.

I don’t have to prepare much for this trip. The crucial part is checking the water tide. You may check this in the website. Once you know when the water tide is low, just bring your rubber glove, bucket / pail, and scoop then you are all set to collect cockles!

It’s about 45 minutes drives from our place to Okoromai Bay. Once, we reached there, the view is stunning! I can see a lot of people already gather here and start collecting cockles. Hey, wait for me!

We walked about 1km to the sea as the water is low, where I can see Sky Tower clearly. The beach is muddy and you can feel hard shell while you walk (means cockles below). As this is my first time experience this, my rule of thumb is…. just follow where’s other people squad down and scooping. So, I try to find my spot somewhere nearby. Hahaha.It works!

We spend about 2 hours finding the suitable cockles size where not too small and not too big (I don’t like BIG cockles because its taste too strong). I counted the amount to ensure that it’s not more than 150 cockles as we are group of 3. There’s a noticeboard place at the beach and another 2 near Okoromai gate telling that, only 50 cockles per collector. It’s so hard to say you don’t notice it.

After collecting cockles, we walked back to the beach and clean up ourselves. The bay is so conducive for visitor as it is equipped with many facilities such as Public toilet, water tab, cooking area, bench and table, spot for picnic/camping and convenient parking spot. If you are planning to cook at the public stove, I reckon you bring the aluminium foil or your own pan so the stove stays clean and able to be used by other visitors.

You may choose to have picnic or build camp here. Can you imagine yourself relaxing under Pōhutukawa tree during summer and have a fresh cockles? Amazing!

How do I cook my Cockles?

Since the cockles is fresh from the sea, my favourite way of cooking this is steaming. I Added shallots, garlic, lemon grass, ginger, turmeric leave (you may substitute with coriander) salt, and just drizzle of water. Let it steam for 3-4 minutes (don’t overcooked it because the cockles will shrink). You may choose to eat like that or with rice and of course compliment it with your favourite drink. SEDAP!

Well, that’s how I spend my sunny evening last Thursday. Can’t wait for my trip to South Island next week.

Thanks for reading. Please subscribe if you would like to know my South Island experience.

Nga mihi,

Mira