Tamaki Estuary Nov 2022,

Although now known for it's birdlife, ferries and three bridges, the Tamaki Estuary was a busy commercial waterway for hundreds of years prior to European appropriation.
Connecting the Waitemata with the Manukau, The Pacific with the Tasman, Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa with Te Tai-o-Rēhua - people, food and goods were moved along this firth. The isthmus at Ōtāhuhu is the crossroads of sea, land, wind and more.
This land between the harbours is the primary nautical crossing in the North Island. Portage Road marks this today. On the East coast, Tamaki is the Hauraki Gulf departure point for Northland, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty voyages.
From the West across the Manukau, waka departed northwards to the Kaipara and Hokianga and southwards to the Waikato river and Taranaki. The Waikato is the watercraft equivalent of the M1 down Te Ika a Maui. South of the Waikato river, goods such as obsidian were transported / portaged across Lake Taupō, Tongariro, the Whangaui River down to Kāpiti, and ultimately Te Wāhipounamu in the deep south. All made easier by the Tamaki Estuary route.
The area where the boat was launched is the rohe of Ngāti Pāoa.
Given options either way from Half Moon Bay, this is a good put in for a combination of reasons. However, tides can make more of a difference than usual. It can be windy and rough or be surprisingly sheltered. Reef early, trust the boat, watch out for moorings.
#Mayzi

[@jeremydow1432]

This is the stuff I want to be see go do. Did u find the source of the Nile? Is Tamaki an estuary or a river? I just like looking at boats, so no need to cross oceans. More people should just mess about in boats as Ratty would say. Auckland can get a bit choppy, but if u go these backwaters should be okay. Building a 3 m motor cat, maybe sail auxiliary. Outdoor shelter keeps blowing down so getting a bit discouraged. Always looking at trade me, but too old and ill health for to buy. I'll be like Mole and spring forth in the Spring. Cheers, Jerry.

[@hugomeares7325]

Hi Jerry. The Tamaki is definitely a estuary. When you get to the top and realise how close to the Tasman Sea you are, it really gives perspective to Portage Road. A great blat when tide assisted... Ratty was right. All the best with the build.