Kaiaua is a small coastal settlement on the Seabird Coast, on the western shore of the Firth of Thames, in the Hauraki District and Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. It is 80km (60 minutes drive) from Auckland. Name The name of the settlement is of Māori origin, meaning "Eating mullets" (kai: to eat; aua: mullet or herrings) relating to the good fishing grounds in the area. Kaiaua was known as 'New Brighton' by the early settlers but the name was changed to Kaiaua in 1897. History The township of Kaiaua is located upon a larger block of land called Ōpita. This block commences at the foreshore in front of the Kaiaua settlement and reaches inland to a point called Ōpita, the elevated inland area behind Kaiaua township (on the road to Mangatangi). The Ōpita block was first investigated by the Native Land Court in 1869 following an application by Hamiora Te Rangituaatea of Ngāti Paoa in 1868. A certificate of title was subsequently awarded to Te Rangituaatea and others of Ngāti Paoa. During the 1870s, the block was sold to two brothers: Thomas Edmund Smith and William Alfred Smith. Following this sale, the establishment of Kaiaua township began. By 1885, various survey plans show a hotel, a race course and other amenities. By 1888, a small school had been established. The sale of the Ōpita block included an agreement to set aside and protect a ’burial ground’ near the mouth of the Hauārahi stream. Unfortunately, this agreement was not observed as the burial ground was included in the Ōpita block and in later land transactions. This prompted approaches by Pōkaitara Wikiriwhi of Ngāti Paoa to the Native Minister in the 1930s seeking protection. Tourism The Hauraki Rail Trail officially starts at Kaiaua and traces the coastline south along the Firth of Thames, over chenier shell banks and through wetlands of international significance. It is one of the Great Rides of the New Zealand Cycle Trail system The route incorporates a coastal bird watching area and Miranda Hot Springs. The area is popular with campers and there is a designated freedom camping area just north of the Kaiaua village. A boat-ramp is also available for fishing enthusiasts. Notable features The Torea Mangu Oystercatcher sculpture is the world's largest sculpture of an oystercatcher. It stands between the Pink Shop Seaside Store and Kaiaua School. Over 4 metres long and 3.5