Did you know Castor Bay was once called Castor Oil Bay? An early settler planted castor bean trees on the hillsides. The name changed around the 1910s. Castor Bay is a beautiful suburb on Auckland’s North Shore. It sits nestled between Milford and Campbells Bay. From Castor Bay you have stunning views of Rangitoto and Motutapu islands. These volcanic islands rise majestically from the Hauraki Gulf.
Castor Bay’s history stretches back centuries. Maori people settled the area around the 13th or 14th centuries. They lived off the land and sea. Fish shellfish and marine birds were important resources. The northern headland of Castor Bay was once home to Rahopara Pa a Maori fortified village. Archaeological evidence suggests it was used between the mid-15th and mid-16th centuries. This pa served as a defensive stronghold for generations of Tamaki Maori people. Stories tell of Te Patukirikiri ancestor Kapetaua sacking the pa in the 17th century.
The arrival of Europeans in the late 18th century brought disease. Many Tamaki Maori died from respiratory illnesses. By the early 1820s many fled to Waikato or Northland during the Musket Wars. Most returned by the late 1820s and 1830s. European settlement began to transform Castor Bay. In 1841 the Crown purchased land. This included the area that is now Castor Bay. The purchase involved some iwi but not all. This caused conflict that lasted decades.
Castor Bay became a popular destination for day trips and holidays. Holiday baches were built. In the 1920s it attracted New Zealand literary figures. Jane Stronach’s bach hosted poets such as D’Arcy Cresswell and R A K Mason. During World War II a military battery was built. This was to protect the Rangitoto Channel. The buildings were cleverly disguised as state housing. It was decommissioned in 1957.
After the Auckland Harbour Bridge opened in 1959 Castor Bay developed further. Convenience stores appeared. The Rahopara Pa site was almost destroyed in 1965. Archaeologists and local residents saved it from being used as landfill for a marina. Today Castor Bay is a thriving community. It is a place where history and modern life blend together. Its rich history its stunning location and friendly atmosphere make it a special place. Enjoy your time exploring this fascinating corner of Auckland.