Having missed the first two walks in the term I was eager to catch up with these wonderful WOPpers, especially Pat who recently had a very special birthday. 18 of us met at Milford Beach on what started off as a cold blustery day; donned with warm coats and hats we headed away, a very lively chatty group. 

The walk from here is a mix of sand, rocks, boardwalk and concrete paths to teeter along the top of, with Rangitoto a constant presence out to the left and an ever-changing beach-scape of old cottages, soaring glass towers, pohutukawa, and steep cliffs to the right. 

This part of the coast was once a holiday destination for Aucklanders. Every summer weekend through the 1920’s, the ferry from Devonport and the steam tram from Bayswater would disgorge crowds of city day-trippers at Takapuna for decorous paddling and the making of sand-castles. Some fortunate families, however, built small baches by the beach to enjoy the hot weather far from the rush and bustle of Auckland. 

Most of the houses overlooking the path are now much grander affairs, covering the full range of architectural styles from weatherboard to stucco modern. Still remaining are a few tiny, original cottages tucked away under the pohutukawa trees, such as Frith cottage. Past the Giants Throne, a generous two-seater chair, built by the French stonemason Frank Savidan, where many a photo has been taken. 

Not far from here, we pass the Takapuna camping ground and stop for morning tea at the bottom of Clifton Rd in a beautiful sunny spot. Within minutes of clambering around the ochre sandstone rocks below the cliffs at the southern end, you’re all alone again and properly challenged for the first time on the walk as you negotiate a couple of bays with high cliffs, separated by rocks. On and past Narrowneck Beach, a favourite with locals especially those who are into sailing at the Wakatere Boating Club. From here we stroll on around to Cheltenham Beach where we stop for lunch next to the colourful townhouses nestled in the corner. With spectacular views of Rangitoto, North Head and the Waitemata Harbour, McHugh’s of Cheltenham is the perfect location for weddings or just a nice lunch, nestled in a unique and beautiful spot on the foreshore of Cheltenham Beach. The long sandy stretch leads us to the stairs to North Head, unfortunately under repair, so round the rocks we went to go on the level walk around the base of North head, only to find we were cut off yet again by repairs. Eventually we back tracked and found a new path leading us to the top. 

The North Head Historic Reserve is considered to be the most significant historical coastal defence site in New Zealand and receives a significant number of visitors each year. The location has commanding views over the Hauraki Gulf and inner harbour. First used by Maori for defence purposes, the site is one of three cone pa in the Devonport area. 

From here we walked back to the ferry terminal where we donned our masks and caught the bus back to Takapuna and another bus from there back to Milford. 

This walk certainly blew out the cobwebs and was enjoyed by everyone. Thanks to Elizabeth for another great day. 

Carol W 

Click here to see Carol’s photos