Blog Day 2: Devonport to Vaughan Park, Long Bay

Miles Hadley

Thursday 2nd June 2016
Day 2– Devonport to Vaughan Park Anglican Retreat Centre, Long Bay

20km (approximately), 6 hours including a few stops and a 45 minute lunch break

For this stage, despite it being the 2nd of June, the weather was glorious
with not a cloud in the sky. It averaged 17 degrees during the day. Beginning at Holy Trinity Church on Church Street, I headed up Vauxhall Road and then as soon as possible joined the coastal track. It is always important to check the tides if you want to walk along the beach. Fortunately, the tide was out for me and the sun streamed across the Rangitoto channel from behind Rangitoto Island (See picture 1).

There are all sorts of people walking along the beach from local dog walkers to tourists. In general I found that most people would greet you with a cheery, “hello” and some would even stop and chat. Once I reached Takapuna, I had a latte at the cafe right near the promenade. This cafe has stunning views of the coastline and efficient, friendly staff.  It is then an easy walk up to St Peters Anglican Church on Killarney road (See picture 2)

I then carried onto Milford, which again has a stunning beach. Then the route followed the clifftops via JF Kennedy Park which is equipped with nice picnic tables and benches. I then went on to Campbells Bay where conveniently enough there is a small dairy store with a wide selection of ice creams! The stunning vistas continued until I arrived at Browns Bay with a good variety of cafes and restaurants for lunch. For those on a budget wanting an authentic French cafe,I would highly recommend the bustling, “La Tropezienne” which also has a very good Patisserie for those needing even more energy!  (See picture 3)

I then continued towards the final destination of the Vaughan Park Anglican Retreat Centre via Waiake Beach. This beach comes highly recommended for those wanting a very sheltered swim in the summer months. There are changing rooms and shower facilities here. There is also a very good cafe opposite the beach called, “Tides” The staff are very friendly too.

By the next stage of today’s journey, the hills were slowing my legs down a bit! However, I eventually got to Vaughan Park Anglican Retreat Centre after passing through Torbay with the Church of St Mary by the Sea  (See picture 4)en route ready for a good period of relaxation after a strenuous but fantastic walk.