The wind whispers tales of ancient battles. Paturoa Bay. This is more than just a picturesque bay nestled in the Manukau Harbour. It’s a place steeped in history. A place where echoes of the past still resonate.
Paturoa Bay once held a different name. The Māori knew it as Opou meaning “the place of posts”. This suggests a rich history of settlement and activity long before European arrival. The name French Bay appeared in the 1920s. Nobody knows for sure why.
For early 20th-century Aucklanders Paturoa Bay was a popular day trip destination. Imagine families picnicking on its shores. Children splashing in the water. The bay even inspired the renowned painter Colin McCahon. He lived nearby from 1953 to 1960. Many of his works depict the beauty of this very spot. His former home is now McCahon House a museum celebrating his life and art.
But Paturoa Bay’s history is not all idyllic. This tranquil spot once witnessed fierce conflict. The area was a site of a three-day battle between Māori tribes. The creeks ran red with blood. The Waiohua tribe lost their chief Kiwi Tamaki. It was a devastating event that left an enduring mark on the landscape.
Today Paturoa Bay continues to offer leisure activities. The French Bay Yacht Club is located here. Sadly it was severely damaged in the 2023 floods. The bay itself however remains a place of beauty and reflection. A testament to the resilience of nature and the enduring spirit of those who have called this place home. Water quality is variable. Some years it’s better than others. This makes swimming here a gamble.
So as you stand here at Paturoa Bay let the stories wash over you. Feel the weight of history. The whispers of the wind. Remember the battles fought and the lives lived. This is Paturoa Bay. A place of beauty. A place of sorrow. And a place of enduring legacy.