“Shimmering waters” isn’t just a pretty phrase. It’s the Māori name for Karaka Bay Waiarohe. This Auckland beach offers more than just a scenic picnic spot. Karaka Bay holds a significant place in New Zealand’s history.
Karaka Bay is special because it lacks direct road access. You can reach it only by boat. Or, take a steep path winding down from Peacock Street. This isolation gives Karaka Bay a unique charm. It feels unlike anywhere else in Auckland.
Long ago, the Tainui canoe landed at Karaka Bay. Some crew members decided to stay. They settled here. A Māori pā once stood overlooking the bay. It was possibly called Taurere. Karaka Bay got its name from the karaka trees. These trees were planted to provide food for the pā.
In 1827, French navigator Dumont d’Urville visited Karaka Bay. Later that year, a battle occurred here. The Ngapuhi tribe lost to Ngati Tipa. Ngāti Paoa and Ngāti Maru refugees helped Ngati Tipa.
Karaka Bay played a role in New Zealand’s founding. On March 4, 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed here. Seventeen chiefs, mostly from Ngāti Paoa and Ngāti Maru, signed. William Hobson wasn’t there. He had suffered a stroke. Captain Nias led the official party instead. Another signing took place on July 9, 1840. This time, Hobson was present. Captain David Rough described the scene. Māori in mats, canoes on the beach. Europeans by the flag. Trees on the hills. It was very picturesque.
Ngāti Paoa chiefs sold the Kohimarama land block in 1841. This included Karaka Bay. John Commons and William McKenzie bought the block in 1845. The Glendowie Estate was sold to George Riddell in 1912. Riddell Road is named after him.
In 1925, a leopard escaped from Auckland Zoo. It was later found dead in the Tamaki River near Karaka Bay. In 1931, there was a plan. Auckland’s sewage outfall would move to Motukorea. A pipeline reached Karaka Bay. But the plan was stopped in 1953.
A drinking fountain and seat were installed in 1953. It was to remember the Treaty signing. The plaque was stolen in 2010. But it was soon replaced. A big slip occurred in 1953 because of heavy rain.
Karaka Bay became famous for a pig in 1997. The pig was named Piglet. Piglet won in a basket auction. She charmed locals and attracted media attention. People visited Karaka Bay to see Piglet. Tony Watkins wrote a children’s book about her. It was called “Piglet the Great of Karaka Bay”.
In 2012, Ngāti Paoa signed the Tāmaki Makaurau Collective Redress Deed at Karaka Bay. In 2015, Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust marked 175 years since the Treaty signing. In 2018, children found remains of a houseboat. A family lived in it around 1925.
Karaka Bay is more than just a beach. It’s a place of history. It’s a place with a unique character. Enjoy the shimmering waters. Remember the stories it holds. Take a moment to appreciate this special spot in Auckland. It’s a reminder of the past. And a beautiful place to relax today.