Takapuna offers you a 190,000-year-old volcanic story, between two beautiful beaches.
The coastal track between Takapuna and Milford is a choose-your-own adventure where geology meets the sea.
Want to play marine biologist in the rock pools? Done. Want to see centuries-old pōhutukawa trees and fossilised forests? Easy.
Pair it all with a world-class coffee at the end and you’ve found the North Shore’s best morning out.
Quick guide: Milford to Takapuna Walk
Distance: 2.5km (5km return)
Difficulty: Easy (some uneven rocky sections)
Time: 1.5 hours (the more rock pools you find, the longer it takes)
You can start at either end. The track winds through a mix of paved heritage paths and volcanic rock. While most of it is easy going, the beach-hopping sections between the rocks are much easier (and drier) at low tide.
Rock hopping through time in the Fossil Forest
When Lake Pupuke erupted thousands of years ago, lava engulfed a kauri forest, creating molds of the trees. They remain today, preserved and beautiful. You can see them, if you look closely at the rocks near the Takapuna end.
The rock pools are alive with crabs, starfish and sea snails (remember: look but don’t touch). There are even rumours of octopuses in the deeper pools of Thorne Bay. Keep an eye out for birds too, like the oystercatcher with its bright orange beak or the caspian tern diving for a snack just offshore.
There’s all the more, if you look inland. The walkway offers a rare view into the back gardens of heritage houses and modern architectural masterpieces. But keep it moving, we don’t want to disturb the local species while they’re relaxing in their natural habitat!
Reward yourself with coffee at Takapuna Beach Café
You practically have to walk right past it and honestly, why wouldn’t you?
Takapuna Beach Café is a local institution. Whether you need a gelato for the kids or a flat white to fuel the walk back, it’s the perfect halfway or finish line reward.
For the little explorers: Takapuna Beach Playground
If you have kids with you, the Takapuna Beach Playground is worth the time. It’s located at the southern end of the beach and features a massive red climbing tower and slides.
It’s the perfect way to burn off any final bursts of energy, while you get a moment of peace with a view.