Exploring Wairau Creek
Wairau Creek, located on the North Shore Coastal Walk /Te Araroa on the North Shore of Auckland, may not appear inviting at first. However, it is a fun crossing point at low tide, allowing you to wade across and continue your journey along the rocky coast from Milford Beach to nearby Castor Bay. If you choose to cross when the tide is in, be cautious of boats, as the creek serves as an access route to the Milford marina.
The Scenic North Shore Cliffs
On the northern side of Wairau Creek, you will encounter the first of the North Shore cliffs. These cliffs, while not particularly high, are striking and form a significant part of the coastline from this point onward. The cliffs vary in colour while many mature pōhutukawa trees grow along the cliff edges, adding to the area's natural beauty.
After crossing the creek, it is a short walk below the cliffs to the beach at Castor Bay.
The Wairau Creek Bridge
You can also cross the creek on a footbridge between Milford Beach Reserve and Beach Road. This bridge features a middle section that swings up to allow yachts to pass to and from the nearby marina. From the bridge, it's a short walk up Beach Road to reach Castor Bay.
How to Get There
To reach Milford Beach Reserve from Downtown Auckland, take the northern motorway to the Northcote Road off-ramp. Head northeast on Northcote Road, followed by northwest on Taharoto Road, then northeast on Shakespeare Road. At the intersection with Kitchener Road, continue northeast onto Omana Road and follow this to Craig Road. Turn left to reach the reserve and the beach. The drive takes 20 minutes and is 14.8 km
South of the creek and Milford Beach on the North Shore Coastal Walk are Thorne Bay, Fossil Point and Takapuna Beach. North of Castor Bay is Rahopara Point and Kennedy Park.
