Hidden amongst Herne Bay’s elegant houses lies Cremorne Reserve. It’s a small beach reserve a hidden gem. Few know its history. It wasn’t always called Cremorne Reserve. Originally it was known as Tibbs’s Beach. This name honored James William Tibbs. He was headmaster at Auckland Grammar School. He lived on Cremorne Street. He died there in 1924.
Cremorne Reserve is named after a famous London garden. Lord Cremorne’s Gardens existed from 1845 to 1877. Auckland’s Cremorne Gardens didn’t last as long. They closed around 1871. Like the London gardens. Auckland’s is remembered by a street name. Cremorne Road became the most expensive street in Auckland. This was nine years after Wairangi Road held that title.
Cremorne Reserve is more than just a beach. It’s part of a beautiful walk. This walk takes you along several beaches in Herne Bay. You can explore many lovely old houses. You can admire modern architectural gems. Many beaches are accessible by stairs. This makes the walk a workout. After your walk. Enjoy a well-deserved culinary treat. Many eateries line Jervois Road.
The reserve itself is small but significant. It offers a glimpse into Auckland’s past. It reveals a connection to a famous London garden. It highlights the quiet residential streets of Herne Bay. It shows the area’s unique history and charm. So take a moment. Breathe in the sea air. Imagine the headmaster. He strolled along this very beach many years ago.
Cremorne Reserve a small beach. A hidden treasure in Herne Bay. It offers more than just sand and sea. It provides a window to a rich and fascinating history. A history intertwined with education. A history marked by elegant homes and expensive streets. This small reserve holds a large story. A story waiting to be discovered.