Seacliffe Slip Damages Walkway1 min read

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In late January, after hours of unrelenting heavy rain, a slip occurred on the property of Hillsborough resident Robyn Fleming. Robyn, a regular volunteer at Onehunga’s Dolphin Theatre, lives on Seacliffe Road overlooking the beautiful Manukau Harbour. The slip sent her garden shed and part of her garden tumbling onto the walkway below.

The popular walkway, officially known as the Waikowhai Boardwalk, is part of the larger Waikowhai Coastal Walkway. It runs from Taumanu Reserve to nearby Bamfield Place in Hillsborough, skirting the cliffs. In the past, it has been a popular spot for walkers and cyclists. It offers both a closer view of the harbour, and an opportunity to get a closer look at the cliffs.

The walkway was built to allow greater safety and ease of access for people walking or cycling the Waikowhai Coastal Walkway. Previously, it was a pinch point – it could only be accessed by people at low tide, making it more challenging for people wanting to complete the full walk. From a safety perspective, having the walkway in place means that people can safely access this section of the walk throughout the day.

According to Auckland Council, the walkway was also designed to be ‘wheel friendly’ (accessible to wheelchairs and buggies) and open to cyclists. This makes it an excellent place for families to enjoy a stroll. In 2020 the Puketepapa local board even had plans to extend the boardwalk to Taylor’s Bay.

Sadly the walkway is now closed, rendered unsafe by the slip as well as several fallen trees. And, given the damage wrought across Auckland by the flooding, as well as Cyclone Gabrielle, it is unclear when it will open again.