This large area of water has three main arms; namely Oyster (Stanes) Bay, Wairangi (Daniel) Bay and Whakitenga (Whakateka) Bay.
Oyster Bay has protection from sea conditions in winds from the N semi-circle but does sometimes act as a wind funnel. The holding is good in mud with depths of no more than 5 m. The Bay is not recommended for a quiet night in bad conditions. Wairangi bay is very exposed and is an uncomfortable anchorage. The anchorage indicated has good holding and misses the direct force of the wind.
Whakitenga Bay is also very open and exposed. The anchorage on the southern coast is recommended in winds from the S semi-circle and the beach is an excellent place for a picnic of barbeque at spring low water.
