Snake Bank

Snake Bank is a cockle bed.
Confused?
The Whangarei Harbour has some other natural assets including the Snake Bank and McDonald's Bank which, despite their weird names are actually a source of food for local people. Though for a time the cockles in the Snake Bank were thought to be contaminated, they are now clean enough to eat, and people do, even harvesting some commercially with permits. Both banks also act as features in harbour watersports, including the Snake Bank Classic.

So head to the Snake Bank when you want a meal of shellfish and look out for McDonald's, but don't worry about snakes, there are none in New Zealand. And please, send us your impressions and images.