Clifton Gardens

“Every time we walk along a beach some ancient urge disturbs us so that we find ourselves shedding shoes and garments or scavenging among seaweed and whitened timbers like the homesick refugees of a long war.” – Loren Eiseley

A scorching hot and sunny Sunday witnessed Cousteau on a lone and very sedate adventure to Clifton Gardens. Unfortunately she reports that the day proceeded to go downhill from there. The area is accessed by a bus service from Wynyard or by car, however the parking is very tight and on a popular Sunday, such as this, it was a nightmare. The popularity of the area is more due to the fabulous child play equipment area and it's surrounding park, than for the pool facilities. The parkland is ideal for a picnic, serviced by a Mr Whippy (yay), a coffee shop and Ripples Restaurant located up the steps at the northern end of the park.

On this day there was a receding tide and the water temperature was 19c. The pool was poorly maintained and a sign advised that there was no protection from sharks due to the holes in the shark netting. The water was muddy and weedy with visible pollution at the waters edge. There was a very small swell from the local boats and large fish in the water, however rubbish, weed, oysters and the like, congregated around the wooden support poles and the very jaded netting:(
The pool faces out towards the harbour and there is a pleasant city outlook. There are no change facilities except for a small toilet block in the park.

Cousteau noted that this would suit a snorkel more than a swim and maybe a brief dip after a family picnic. The highlight was definitely the play equipment!!

Splosh Rating * :(