A flock of more than 100 variable oystercatchers has been hunkering down along the beach in Pilot Bay. And why not?

Also known as Waikorire, it's a picturesque place to relax in the winter sun, enjoy the harbour views and watch the ships go by.

The NZ Birds on Line website states 'The variable oystercatcher is a familiar stocky coastal bird with a long, bright orange bill, found around much of New Zealand. They are often seen in pairs probing busily for shellfish along beaches or in estuaries.

"Previously shot for food, variable oystercatchers probably reached low numbers before being protected in 1922, since when numbers have increased rapidly. They are long-lived, with some birds reaching 30+ years of age.”

The pair of oystercatchers, known as Harry and Sophie, are also wintering, over on Mount Main beach, after an unsuccessful breeding season over summer. On hatching, their chicks were found to have congenital defects and were abandoned by their parents.

It's known that many breeding pairs remain on territory year-round, but some join flocks of pre-breeders for the autumn and early winter, typically at larger estuaries.

The birds in Pilot Bay have been gathered on the sandy shore for nearly a week, with smaller groups taking brief flights around the Salisbury Wharf, circling the small bay before returning to the main flock.

Pilot Bay beach and boardwalk has a ban on dogs and bikes, which helps give a sense of security to the birds while they spend part of the winter there.

Most of the oystercatchers in the flock are black with orange bills, but some have smudgy or off-white underparts.

It is believed that there are approximately 6000 oystercatchers in NZ, having increased in population from around 2,000 in the 1970s.

Roughly two-thirds of the population is thought to be in the North Island.

The row of stately Norfolk pine trees which line Pilot Bay provide a stunning 'instagrammable” scene with clear blue water lapping the sandy beach. Definitely a unique winter holiday destination for this flock.