Current meter and current drogue measurements made over tidal periods show that the circulation in Manukau Harbour is mainly tidal, with strongest flows within the inner harbour in the four main channels. In the entrance channel, peak tidal speeds reach 2.25 m.s−1at the surface, and 0.6 m.s−1near the bottom. Salinity and temperature observations show that the water is nearly homogeneous with depth in summer. A residence time of 22 d is calculated, assuming the small horizontal salinity contrast is maintained by freshwater inflow and evaporation.