Browns Island

Thursday 31 December.  Leader is Pauline. Distance 12 km return, this trip is suitable for beginners.

Meet at the concrete boat ramp in St Heliers (end of Goldie Street) at 10am for 10.30am departure.  Head out to Browns Island for lunch - your choice:

• Stay down at the beach, 

• Head to the top of the stairs (half way/ 5 mins), or 

• Climb to the top (10 mins). The view from the top of the island is spectacular.  The walk to the top is short but steep, about 10 minutes, and footwear with reasonable grip is needed (most kayak shoes ok, jandals not recommended). Recommend a bag to put your lunch as having ‘free hands’ helps on the hill. 

Continue paddling around the island before heading back home. Return to shore by about 2-2.30pm. Optional coffee or ice-cream on the beach after kayaks are back on the cars.

Bring lunch and water as there is nothing on the island. There are toilets at St Heliers, and nice bushes at the beach on the island.

Hire kayaks: You need to make your own arrangements with North Shore or Auckland/Sandringham shops to hire and pickup/return hire kayaks.  

Parking: street parking around the park opposite the beach or along the waterfront towards Kohi Beach. 

Browns Island is one of the 'Treasure Islands' of the Hauraki Gulf, so help keep it pest-free:

• Check - your gear for pests, eg. rodents, insects, skinks
• Clean - footwear and gear, removing soil and seeds
• Seal - ensure your gear is zipped up (no open bags)

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