Bayswater

Sailing into Bayswater, you’re greeted by a peninsula embracing the Waitematā Harbour. Bayswater, a charming suburb on Auckland’s North Shore, stretches out before you, steeped in history and natural beauty. Bayswater’s story begins long before its official naming in 1909. Māori inhabited the wider North Shore area for centuries, though evidence suggests the Bayswater peninsula wasn’t permanently settled due to less fertile land. The area became known as O’Neill’s Point in the mid-1800s, after brothers Allan and James O’Neill who acquired land there. Initially, kauri gum extraction was the main activity due to ancient kauri forests. The transformation into “Bayswater” began when the land was subdivided for residential development in 1909. This coincided with the launch of the Takapuna Tramways and Ferry Company. This company connected Bayswater to Auckland City by ferry and to Takapuna by tram. Imagine the excitement as the first ferry service arrived on December 10, 1910. This development spurred rapid population growth in the area. The tram service, however, lasted only until 1927. The ferry continues to operate, connecting Bayswater to the bustling city. Bayswater is also home to O’Neill’s Point Cemetery, established in 1891. It holds the graves of 41 New Zealand and one UK serviceman from World War I, adding a poignant layer to the suburb’s history. Another landmark is St Michael’s and All Angels Church. Originally located in Devonport, the church moved to Bayswater in 1924, following a fire and rebuild. Today, Bayswater retains its residential charm, a blend of history and modern living against the beautiful backdrop of the Waitematā Harbour. Bayswater also has lovely parks such as Quinton Park, gifted to the community in 1929.