Narrow Neck to Browns Bay Mar 2026

NORTH SHORE COAST-ALONG

Narrow Neck to Browns Bay
Sat 14 Mar

A group of 14 walkers left Narrow Neck Beach at 9.30am, 50 mins before the lowest point of the forecasted low tide (due at 10.20am). . It actually took us all well over an hour and we arrived at Takapuna Beach (meeting three more members joining us at this point), slightly shattered, at approx 11.10am. The neap low tide surprised us all and we ended up wading through the sea, around the rocks, in some places. A group of our shorter members, who didn't feel safe wading in water that would come up to their waist, decided to tackle a climb up a sloping rocky face and walk along the top of this. This was considered by the leaders, who sent two able and strong walkers to assist with the haul up the rocky face, to a ledge and then make their way slowly along the top. We all made it! Without injury, Diana, leading, said a silent prayer of thanks to God and a loud word of thanks to our helpers, Dorey and Tony, who gave their kind assistance to the final group.

After this, we found the rest of the walk not a problem at all! We reached Takapuna northern end by approx 12pm and the walk around the rocky coast to Milford was very pleasant and the sun came out, lifting spirits. By the time we reached our 30 minute lunch stop at the northern end of Milford, we were all ready for a good rest and sustenance.

Heading off at 1pm, the prospect of the terrain seemed a lot easier and we stuck to the road, paths and coastal pipelines, all the way to Murrays Bay. There we had another little rest and a devotional given by Sonia about on reconciliation. Just as we are reconciled to God through Christ's grace and forgiveness, we should also extend that grace and forgiveness to others

The last stretch from Murrays Bay to Browns Bay was straight forward, with lovely views and a few up and down hills, as we walked the coastal cliff path. The pace was fairly brisk, as time was getting late and I was very aware that some members needed to get back home to various commitments. As a result, we arrived in Browns Bay at 3.50pm and while some of the members jumped in cars to head back to Narrow Neck Beach, a few of us stayed on to enjoy a delicious Penguino ice cream.

All in all, the day walk of 14.4 kms, took approx 6.5 hours, with the added challenge of a neap tide at the beginning.