Days Bay

From the shores of Days Bay, the Wellington Harbour stretches out before you like a shimmering tapestry. Days Bay isn’t just a picturesque spot in Lower Hutt. It’s a place steeped in history, woven with tales of Maori settlement, European pioneers, and a bygone era of grand resorts. The original Māori name for this bay was Otuamotoro, a fortified village of the Ngāti Ira people. Imagine their lives here, long before the arrival of European settlers. In the early 1840s, the bay became known as Hawtrey Bay, after the arrival of George Day and his family from Kent, England. They built their home here, ran a schooner ferrying settlers across the harbour, and inadvertently gave the bay its current name: Days Bay. The Days’ lives here were not without hardship. Their home was damaged by an earthquake in 1849, prompting their move to Christchurch. Days Bay’s destiny, however, was not to remain a quiet settlement. At the close of the 19th century, James Herbert Williams, a Wellington shipowner, envisioned a grand resort. He purchased land, built a wharf, and transformed Days Bay into a popular destination for day-trippers. The bay became a hub of activity. Williams arranged excursions, complete with playground equipment and races, drawing crowds from Wellington. Steamships like the Duco and the Mana ferried excited visitors to Days Bay’s shores. Imagine the excitement as crowds flocked to the ornate Victorian Pavilion. They enjoyed teas on its verandahs, dined in its restaurant, and danced the night away. This vibrant scene continued until tragedy struck in 1952 when the Pavilion was destroyed by a devastating fire. The loss was a blow to the community, though a smaller pavilion eventually took its place. Over the years, Days Bay’s popularity has endured. While improved road access and the rise of private cars changed the way people traveled here, the bay retains its charm. Williams Park, the heart of the resort, remains a haven for locals and visitors alike, a testament to Williams’ original vision. The park still carries his name, a tribute from a grateful community to its founder. Days Bay is more than just a beautiful bay. It’s a living story, echoing with the laughter of holidaymakers, the whispers of history, and the enduring allure of a seaside escape.