Contemplate this. What if the ground beneath Saint Marys Bay could talk? It would tell a tale of Maori settlements. It would speak of colonial transformation. Saint Marys Bay is one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs. Its story reflects Auckland’s changing face. This transformation spans from Maori settlement to colonial times to the modern city.
Maori initially established pā here. They chose the area for its access to the sea. It provided transport and harvesting opportunities. European settlers later found the shoreline equally attractive.
In the 1840s, settlers farmed the land around Saint Marys Bay. Then in the 1850s, Catholic Bishop Pompallier purchased 19 hectares. This land stretched from Three Lamps to the coastline. He named it Mount St Mary. The bishop established a church. He also founded schools and an orphanage. St Marys College is one of his lasting legacies. Today, it is a very popular girls’ school.
As the church sold off its land, residential development began. This subdivision occurred in the 1860s. Further development took place in the 1870s when a farm was sold.
The early 1900s saw the construction of iconic buildings. The Ponsonby Fire Station was one. It now houses Mary’s cafe. The Leys Institute was another. It still functions as a library. The Ponsonby Post Office was also built. It was recently refitted for a bistro called Augustus.
Saint Marys Bay has retained many historic buildings. Character villas still stand here. However, a motorway cut it off from the shoreline in the 1950s. This motorway connected to the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Shipyards and slipways closed. Westhaven faced the threat of being filled in. But residents united. They donated their services to create Westhaven Marina.
In 2012, Jacob’s Ladder was revamped. It connects the suburb to the shoreline. A footbridge over the motorway provides better access to Westhaven. Jacob’s Ladder was originally used by cutters and whalers in the 1800s.
Today, Saint Marys Bay is a quiet. It is a north-facing area with little through traffic. It offers easy access to Ponsonby Rd and Jervois Rd. These roads offer hospitality and shopping. Downtown Auckland is only 3km away.
Saint Marys Bay is considered the “jewel in the crown”. It is part of the northern slopes of Herne Bay and Ponsonby. It covers a small area. It has only about 280 houses. Saint Marys Bay boasts some of Auckland’s best views. Its villas and setting are reminiscent of San Francisco. You can look back over the harbour bridge, Westhaven, or the city.
People value Saint Marys Bay for its central location. They also appreciate its harbour views and historic character.
As one of Auckland’s oldest residential areas, property is tightly held. Few sales occur compared to neighboring suburbs. Once people settle here, they tend to stay.
Stunning colonial architecture still stands throughout the community. Local landmarks and private residences add to the charm. They evoke the turn of the last century.
Bishop Jean-Baptiste François Pompallier arrived from France in 1936. He bought 47 acres of land for the Catholic Church. It was fitting that New Zealand’s first Marist Catholic bishop named the area Mount St Mary.
The local community is passionate about their suburb and its heritage. The council has officially recognized the special character of St Marys Bay. The workers’ houses in Renall Street became Auckland’s first conservation precinct in 1977. The Auckland District Plan Isthmus Section protects trees along the original cliff line. It particularly protects indigenous trees like the coastal pohutukawa.
Before the bishop arrived, Maori had several names for the area. The eastern end near Harbour Street was Te Papaku a Whai or ‘Whai’s Shoal’. The western end near St Marys Road and London Street was once a beach named Ko Takere Haea or ‘the split canoe hull’. Ko Takere Haea is a listed Maori Heritage Site.
The foreshore also played a central role for immigrant Europeans. Prosperous families settled here from the 1850s. They built elegant villas with extensive gardens overlooking the water. Access was mainly by water. Private jetties connected owners to Queen Street.
Boat building and marine-related activities were a main occupation. The eastern end was a thriving marine industry. The Ponsonby Cruising Club became a focal point. It was central to the social lives of many families.
The Sisters of Mercy arrived from Ireland in 1850. They established schools and provided pastoral care.
Saint Marys Bay is more than just a suburb. It is a living story. It is a blend of cultures. It is a testament to community spirit. As you wander its streets remember. You are walking through history. You are experiencing a place cherished by many. It will be a treasured memory forever.