Lucas Creek Bridge and the Upper Landing

The original vehicular crossing over Lucas Creek was slightly to the northeast above the waterfall that is now in Gills Reserve. During storms and when the tide was especially high, the bridge would often flood making east-west travel impossible. This bridge was replaced in 1907 with a high bridge on the site of the current Lucas Creek crossing. Concrete supports were added to this bridge in 1910 to further reinforce its foundation. In March 1936, a major storm caused the creek to swell and undercut the bridge. Mr Cowley discovered this to his dismay when he drove his Model T into the creek. Fortunately, he escaped his car without injury. The bridge was replaced with the current concrete structure by the end of the year.

Just below the bridge on the west bank of Lucas Creek is the site of the Station or Government Landing, later known as the Upper Landing when the Lower Landing was opened at the end of Wharf Road in 1907. Lucas Creek’s isolation in its earliest years meant that all commercial transport went by boat. The Station marked the furthest point along the creek where small steamships could travel at high tide. Ships calling at the Station transported kauri timber, gum, general goods, and passengers. At low tide, boats became beached below the wharf and travellers had to wait for the water to rise before they could leave.

Transportation via Lucas Creek continued through the 1920s, even as local roads were improved, and automobiles became more popular and affordable. In 1930, the Kaipatiki made the last commercial run along the creek. The wharf was demolished soon afterwards. Without the traffic, the creek soon silted up due to erosion from flooding and property developments, making it impossible for all but the smallest recreational craft to traverse the distance from the Waitematā to the Lucas Creek bridge.

Continue along Dairy Flat Highway.