Perhaps you’ve heard whispers of an island escape. That’s the feeling one gets approaching Papakōhatu Island also known as Crusoe Island. It sits a jewel in the Hauraki Gulf. Today we’ll uncover some of the island’s secrets.
Papakōhatu Island covers 24 hectares. That’s about 59 acres. It was once called Bell’s Island. This name faded over time. The Salvation Army purchased it in the early 1900s. They transformed it into a treatment center. Initially, it served men battling alcohol addiction. Later a larger facility opened on Rotoroa Island. Papakōhatu then became a haven for women.
In 1949 the island changed hands. It was sold for £5800. Today, it remains a rare gem. It is one of the few Hauraki Gulf Islands in private ownership. Back in 2014, it was up for sale for a cool NZD$35 million. That’s roughly US$29 million.
Foreign buyers take note. Purchasing this sensitive coastal property isn’t a walk in the park. The Minister of Finance and Minister of Lands must approve the sale. This falls under New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Act of 2005.
But what awaits on Papakōhatu Island? There is a tourist resort. A landing strip makes access easy. A nine-hole golf course offers recreation. Even Russell Crowe once worked at the resort in his youth.
But the island’s history runs deeper than leisure. In the early 1900s, it served a different purpose. It was a place for prisoners and male inebrates. The Auckland Salvation Army managed it. After the facility moved to Rotoroa Island, Papakōhatu housed female inebrates. Later, after 1943, it became a recreation center for the elderly.
Papakōhatu Island echoes with stories. They speak of recovery, recreation and retreat. As you explore, imagine its layered past. Consider the lives touched by this island. From those seeking sobriety to holidaymakers seeking sun, Papakōhatu offers a unique journey through time.