Manukau Bar

New Zealand's most tragic shipwreck occurred on the bar in 1863 when HMS Orpheus ran aground in clear weather with a loss of 189 lives.

For this reason, along with the harbour's shallowness, it is not Auckland's favoured port, and the facilities at Onehunga are not very large compared to the other Ports of Auckland facilities.

The shifting sand bar, strong tidal flows and prevailing winds causes this area to be known locally as the washing machine. Two channels offer transit to and from the Manukau Harbour.

Coastguard New Zealand operate Trip reports for all vessels crossing the bar. Commercial shipping is prohibited from crossing the bar after nightfall.

The Titirangi Volunteer Coastguard strongly advises all vessels intent on crossing the Manukau Bar to transmit a TR (trip report) to Coastguard prior to starting the crossing.