Judges Bay

Did two judges really row to work? Let’s uncover the truth at Judges Bay. Judges Bay, also known as Taurarua, holds a fascinating story. It’s nestled in Parnell, Auckland’s oldest suburb. The bay’s Maori name, Taurarua, translates to “two ropes” or “annoying chant.” It echoes the defiant songs of Waiohua warriors during a battle against Ngāti Whātua in the 17th century. The English name, Judges Bay, honors two prominent figures who settled here in 1841: Sir William Martin, New Zealand’s first Chief Justice, and William Swainson, the first British-appointed Attorney General. Legend has it that they commuted to work in Auckland by rowboat, employing Māori boatmen in uniform. Judges Bay has seen dramatic changes over the years. Parnell, originally a mix of grand estates and industrial zones, transformed significantly. Land reclamation reshaped Auckland’s shoreline in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Judges Bay, once open to the harbor, is now intersected by a railway line, creating a tranquil lagoon. Today, it’s a popular spot for swimming and paddleboarding. Nearby, the Parnell Baths, historic saltwater pools, offer another refreshing escape. So, while the judges may not have literally rowed to work every day, Judges Bay still holds the echoes of their presence, along with the rich tapestry of Māori history and Auckland’s evolution.