Summer Paddleboarding Routes

Got some time on your hands these holidays, a paddle board and a paddle? Then you are ready to explore Auckland’s wonderful waterways. But where to go, in which conditions and when? That can be a bit tricky, especially if you come to standup paddleboaring with no water sports background. It can also be a challenge to find people ‘in the know’.

Fortunately your SUPWell coaches Victoria Stuart and Helen Blair have an extensive bank of knowledge about where to go, when and in which conditions. As ISA and Paddlefit Pro qualified coaches we are on the water most days running small group classes and events across Auckland. Here are some of our favourite paddle routes that capture the variety of Auckland paddling.

 

Waiatarua Creek (Beginner)

Not want to bother about tides? Then Orakei Basin is great. From the pontoon at the carpark, keep in the ‘non motorised zone’ to the left of the yellow buoys and paddle over to the far side of the Basin. Once there, Waiatarua Creek opens up and as you drift past and under the Orakei Basin Walkway you meet peaceful oasis of bird song.

If you’re keen for a little exploring, take the left fork of the creek and just under the Waiatarua footbridge you’ll find a little waterfall tucked away on your right in among the mangroves. When you’ve explored the creek, return along the walkway to the pontoon. Check the Auckland Council Orakei Basin Flushing Schedule before you go as every other Sunday/Monday you may find the Basin empty.

Parking:	Orakei Basin car park
Water access:	From the grey pontoon at the carpark
Distance:	Approx 3.5km
Time:	Allow 1-1.5 hours depending on pace
Ideal conditions:	Early morning, or a still day with little or no wind
Challenging conditions:	A strong south westerly, southerly or north easterly wind (12 knots plus)

 

 

Hobson Bay Coastal Paddle (Beginner)

Searching for kingfishers among the Pohutekawas of Hobson Bay is a treat. Leave from Judges Bay beach around high tide and paddle alongside the railway, under the footbridge at Parnell Baths and out in to Hobson Bay. Keep to the right and follow the the Parnell section of the Hobson Bay Coastal walkway.

If you reach St Stephens Avenue and want to go further, keep going towards Victoria Ave and Orakei. If not, turn around and follow your route back. Be mindful of the oyster bed in Judges Bay and, to avoid current at the Point Resolution Bridge, keep close to the tree line in Hobson Bay.

Parking:	Judges Bay car park, Judges Bay Rd
Water access:	From the beach
Distance:	Approx 3km
Time:	Allow 1-1.5 hours depending on pace
Ideal conditions:	Early morning, or a still day with little or no wind
Challenging conditions:	Sheltered in most winds, A strong south westerly, southerly or north easterly wind (12 knots plus)

 

 

Mangroves of Purewa Creek (Intermediate)

Bit of harbour paddling, secluded creeks and the excitement of heading under the road bridge at Hobson Point. Starting in Okahu Bay paddle out past the moored boats to the end of sea wall at Orakei Marina and then turn left continuing along the sea wall to the red and white ‘lighthouse’ style marker at the Marina entrance. Be prepared for some swell and/or choppy water as you head along the sea wall and watch out for (and give way to) boat traffic as you head towards the Tamaki Road Bridge. At the bridge head through one of the ‘in’ marked channels. For least current and water disturbance at the bridge, it’s best to aim for slack tide which happens around high tide. Then Hobson Bay opens up with the iconic boat sheds on your left and the South Paratai Reserve and you paddle up towards the bridge at Orakei Rd. Keep a beady eye out for fishing lines as you pass under the bridge and then head for the mangroves of Purewa Creek. Look left and enjoy the green banks of Kepa Bush Reserve and right into Meadowbank. Turn around when you are ready, or run out of water and re-trace your steps to Okahu Bay.

If you want to explore Purewa Creek and not paddle in the Harbour or under the bridge, an alternative start point is at South Paratai Reserve at the bottom of Ngapipi Rd. Park on the grass verge and walk your board down to the old ramp at the water’s edge. This shortens the paddle to approx 3km and makes it accessible to beginner paddlers.

Parking:	Okahu Bay
Water access:	From the beach
Distance:	Approx 7.5km
Time:	Allow 1.5 - 2 hours depending on pace
Ideal conditions:	High tide, still day with little or no wind
Challenging conditions:	Strong south westerly, southerly or north easterly wind (12 knots plus)

 

Hobson - Harbour Loop (Intermediate to advanced) 

Paddle out from Judges Bay hugging along the railway embankment to shelter from the north easterly wind. Give yourself enough space at Point Resolution Bridge to minimise the effects of any currents under the bridge. After passing that bridge, tuck back in alongside the railway and follow it along Hobson Bay. There are two bridges under the railway that provide access to the other side of Hobson Bay.

You can take either depending on whether you want a longer or shorter paddle. Look out for how the waves are lining up and ideally take the bridge that allows you to paddle straight into the wind. Head to Hobson Point and the Tamaki Drive bridge and through the channels marked ‘out’. Be mindful of boat traffic on both sides of the bridge and if the current is too strong or the water is too choppy, paddle on your knees for a short time. Once in Mechanics Bay, paddle out towards the break water and line your board up for a lovely downwind run back to Point Resolution Bridge and Judges Bay. Ideally you’ll be paddling with ‘bumps’ behind you and the wind on your back. 

Parking:	Judges Bay
Water access:	From the beach
Distance:	Approx 5km
Time:	Allow 1 - 1.5 hours depending on pace
Ideal conditions:	High tide, north easterly wind
Challenging conditions:	Strong tidal flow at bridges around mid tide; strong south westerly, southerly (12 knots plus)

 

 

If you love the idea of these paddles and feel the need to build your skills, fitness or confidence to allow you to enjoy them, SUPWell offers one on one coaching and small group classes for all levels of ability. 

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