Curious to uncover the hidden stories of Auckland’s North Shore? Then let’s explore Campbells Bay together. This charming suburb offers more than just stunning views.
Campbells Bay sits nestled between Mairangi Bay and Castor Bay. It is primarily residential. This makes it a peaceful escape from the city.
But how did Campbells Bay get its name? In 1845, John Logan Campbell first purchased the land here. Later, in 1894, a farmer named Duncan Campbell bought the property. Duncan was well-known for his Auckland shoe store. After that purchase, the bay became known as Campbells Bay.
Before European settlement, this area was a forest of kauri and podocarp trees. Podocarp is a family of conifers. Maori settlement here dates back to the 13th or 14th centuries. The coast between Murrays Bay and Campbells Bay was called Waipapa.
In 1841, the Crown purchased land spanning from Takapuna to Te Arai. This purchase involved some iwi, but not all. The Crown worked until 1873 to rectify the situation.
In 1850, Donald Mackay came to New Zealand from Scotland. His brother Alexander was farming near Lake Pupuke. Alexander bought 60 acres from Campbell. Donald then farmed that land.
For a time, the area was known as Johnston’s Bay. The Johnston family set up a dairy farm. They sold milk to residents in Takapuna and to gum diggers. Kauri gum digging was a significant industry here.
In 1912, the Campbells Bay farm was subdivided. The area became a popular holiday spot. People built baches or small holiday homes. World War I slowed down construction.
Campbells Bay is known for Centennial Park. In 1885, 70 hectares of scrubland was gazetted as the Takapuna Domain. It was renamed Centennial Park in 1940. Extensive planting created a native bush. During World War II, defensive pillboxes were constructed in Centennial Park.
In 1938, the Central Methodist Mission established a health camp here. By the 1940s, it became Auckland’s main health camp for in-need youth.
Campbells Bay School opened in 1925 with 16 children. Locals cleared tea-tree scrub to build it. Some pupils walked from as far as Rothesay Bay to attend. By 1966, almost 1000 pupils were attending.
Today, Campbells Bay offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. You can explore Centennial Park. You can swim at Campbells Bay Beach. You can also enjoy the local shops and restaurants.
Campbells Bay is more than just a suburb. It is a place with a rich past and a vibrant community. Take a stroll along the beach. Breathe in the fresh sea air. Imagine the stories of those who came before us. The Maori who first settled this land. The gum diggers who sought their fortune here. The families who built their homes and lives in Campbells Bay. Their stories are woven into the fabric of this special place.