Here lies Pakihi Island a privately-owned gem. It sits in the Hauraki Gulf east of Auckland. This island holds stories etched in stone and industry.
Pakihi Island spans 114 hectares. That is roughly 280 acres. It is one of the smaller Hauraki Gulf Islands. Find it just 1 km southwest of Ponui Island. It’s also 1.5 km offshore from Waitawa Regional Park.
The island’s landscape blends pastoral beauty with plantations. Native vegetation also thrives in certain areas.
Let’s journey back to 1894. The McCallum family purchased Pakihi Island from Sir John Logan Campbell. They also acquired the neighboring Karamuramu Island.
In 1904 William Fraser McCallum and his brothers formed a partnership. From 1906 they quarried red chert on Pakihi Island until 1927. This chert became essential for Auckland’s concrete structures.
Imagine the bustling activity. Quarrying red chert shaped Auckland’s growth. The McCallum brothers played a vital role.
They even sank the first iron ship built in Auckland. The 1876 Rotomahana met its end here. It served as a wharf for their operations.
Pakihi Island offers a glimpse into Auckland’s industrious past. It connects us to the city’s early construction. The island stands as a testament to resourcefulness.