Hidden amongst Takapuna’s houses lies Thorne Bay Recreation Reserve. A small golden beach it is nestled between Takapuna Beach and Milford Beach. Protected by rocky coastlines access is only via a walkway.
Thorne Bay’s story begins not with sand and sea but with William Thorne Esq. In the 1880s he built a holiday home here. Originally called Minnehaha Bay after the home it later became Thorne Bay. William Thorne a son of early Auckland settlers served in the Maori Wars. He later became a respected barrister and solicitor. He held many important positions. He was chairman of the Ponsonby Road Board. He also served on the Auckland Harbour Board. He was a trustee for local charities and sports clubs.
Thorne’s holiday home was expansive. Known as Thorne’s Paddock then Minnehaha it had four bedrooms. It also boasted a drawing room dining room kitchen and office. There was a large entry hall stables a carriage house and outhouses. Thorne enjoyed buggy rides and boat trips in the Hauraki Gulf. He kept buggies and a yacht. He even had a small dairy on the property. A structure from this dairy still stands at 8 Minnehaha Avenue.
In 1911 Thorne’s home furniture and goods were sold at auction. One of the largest property sales of its time. By 1913 Minnehaha Bay was renamed Thorne Bay. William Thorne died in 1922 in Epsom. His house’s name lives on in nearby Minnehaha Avenue.
Today Thorne Bay Recreation Reserve offers a place to relax. It is a beautiful spot for a swim. However be cautious of submerged rocks. Never dive headfirst. Swim with a friend. Keep children close. Be careful when fishing from the rocks. Always wear a lifejacket. Enjoy the beauty of Thorne Bay Recreation Reserve a charming piece of Auckland’s history. It is a place where the past and present intertwine perfectly.