Devonport Circuit
Sunday 18 June 2023
We will assemble at our usual place in the Strand for a 9 am departure – on foot. There is no bus, and no charge either but members please register.
We begin by walking down to Takapuna Beach and along the beach to the southern end, then up Hauraki Road to the major intersection with Lake Road, and down Jutland Road to the end. There we join the footpath which leads down the western side of the Devonport peninsular. Along the way we will cross a long footbridge leading across a mangrove forest and the Mary Barrett Glade bush walk.
We then walk up Mt Victoria; at the summit we will see the disappearing gun, installed in the 1880s to deter a Russian raid on Auckland and, if the weather is kind, superb views of Auckland city, Rangitoto and the Hauraki Gulf. We descend through Devonport’s lively main street to the ferry wharves, then walk along King Edward Parade to North Head. Low tide is at 1:15 pm and we will walk around the base of the maunga to a small beach, which would be a good spot for lunch. We will continue to Cheltenham Beach, then walk up the eastern side of the peninsular to Narrow Neck Beach and on to Takapuna.
This walk traverses one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs – you will see many fine old kauri villas, also coastal artillery and other defence features from the 1880s and World War II. If you are not familiar with the area you will probably be surprised by the extent of parks and green spaces – very little time is spent next to the road. The route includes several fine beaches and a winter ascent of Mt Victoria’s North Face (66m).
Warning: even though the water level is low, it will be necessary to walk over rocks on some parts of the route. These rocks are extremely slippery – and extremely hard. To avoid the worst section, the route between Narrow Neck and the cliffs below Takapuna Grammar School, I will lead the group on a detour along Hamana and Seacliff Roads and return to the coast via the steps in St Leonards Road. Those who wish can stay on the coastal route – at your own risk.
Bring: sensible shoes or boots that will probably get wet, lunch, water, walking stick or pole, rain coat, first aid kit.
Organizer: Chris Bilham, 022 657 3837
