Exploring Milford Beach
Milford Beach on the North Shore of Auckland is both beautiful and ideal for swimming due to its gentle surf. Upmarket residential homes primarily line this beach, but its northern end features Milford Reserve, a park next to the mouth of the Wairau Creek, with a marina. You can access the beach from several roads or by walking the North Shore Coastal Walk / Te Araroa.
Beach Features and Activities
The southern to middle sections of Milford Beach are sandy, making them perfect for swimming and capturing stunning photo reflections during low tide. In contrast, the two ends of the beach reveal distinctive flat rocky platforms, backed by cliffs. At the northern end, you need to cross the Wairau Creek mouth. This is best done at low tide, and watch out for boats moving to and from the marina.
On Wairau Creek, you can also check out a marina and a swing bridge that crosses the stream, designed to let boats in and out.
Development of an Auckland Beach Suburb
In the early 20th century, Milford was primarily a holiday destination, with baches lining the shore and visitors arriving via the old tram route that once extended from central Auckland. Over the decades, as Auckland expanded, Milford transitioned into a sought-after residential area. Significant development occurred in the 1950s and 60s, when infrastructure improved and permanent housing replaced many of the original beachside baches. A substantial shopping centre and marina followed; however, the beach has remained the centre of local recreation.
How to get to Milford Beach
From Downtown Auckland, take the northern motorway to the Northcote off-ramp, then head northeast on Northcote Road to Taharoto Road. Head northwest a short distance on Taharotto Road, then northeast again on Shakespeare Road. At Kitchener Road, either cross over to Omana Road, which takes you to Miford Reserve and the marina, or turn right and then take one of several side streets to the beach. The drive takes is 11 km and takes about 20 minutes.
Alternatively, you can walk along the North Shore Coastal Walk / Te Araroa, from Thorne Bay to the south or Campbells Bay to the north.
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