March 6,2025
Finding ourselves in Milford on the North Shore, we decided to walk up the coastline to Castor Bay. Because this is New Zealand where having a cafe nearby at all times is mandated, we came across this cute little cafe by the marina.
We then headed up around the headlands looking back down over Milford Beach.
We stopped in at Castor Bay
Where we loved this beautiful old tree.
Perched above Castor Bay is the site of an old Maori pa (fortified village) called Te Rahopara o Peretu. Sitting atop a steep hill with extensive views over the harbor and surrounding land, it is easy to see why the local Maori picked it as a prime spot to defend.
In fact, during World War II, a battery was built on the site that included two six inch gun emplacements and a battery observation post. The concrete gun emplacements still exist.
The Castor Bay Battery and camp is believed to represent the most extensive survival of Second World War ‘architecture of deception’ where the battery was disguised to make it seem like seaside housing to prevent aerial detection by an invading force. For example, influenced by Modernist style, the Battery Observation Post was designed to look like a seaside kiosk.
The park on which the battery stands was named John F Kennedy Memorial Park in 1962 after the assassination of the American President. A number of homes look over the park and harbor.
Back on Milford Beach, the water was so warm, that even Lauren went for a paddle.
Classic car of the day is this mini.
Mal and Lauren 