Sweeping around the Waitemata Harbour, Pakatoa Point beckons. It’s a mere glimpse from Auckland City, about 32 kilometers away, but its story echoes across the decades. Pakatoa Island, crowned by Pakatoa Point, isn’t just a geographical feature. It’s a privately owned island, a rarity in the Hauraki Gulf where most islands are Crown-held reserves. Pakatoa Point has seen transformations. In the 1950s, it was envisioned as a resort destination. Remnants of this era remain, a scattering of buildings and facilities whispering tales of past holidays. Two inviting beaches grace the eastern coast of Pakatoa Island. Another beach welcomes visitors on the north side, near the wharf. The island’s position ensures at least one beach is always sheltered. Pakatoa Point, the highest point of the island, stands approximately 56 meters above sea level. Imagine the view from this vantage point. The land unfolds below, a tapestry of landscaped gardens, native trees, swaying palms, and expansive grasslands. A network of roads connects the different areas of the island. Pakatoa Point has hosted a colourful cast of characters. Actor Russell Crowe even spent time there, working at the resort in his younger years. Now, a caretaker keeps watch, a solitary figure amidst the echoes of laughter and leisure. Pakatoa Island, with its prominent Pakatoa Point, stands as a testament to changing times. A silent witness to the tides of history, it awaits its next chapter.
Pakatoa Point
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