Ever wondered why this Waiheke Island village has two names? Welcome to Rocky Bay. Some also call it Omiha. Both names tell a story. Let’s explore the history of Rocky Bay.
Rocky Bay is more than just a name. It’s a place with a past. In 1865 a Maori Land Court map first labelled the bay as Rocky Bay. A Crown map affirmed this in 1877. So the name Rocky Bay has historical roots.
The land above Rocky Bay was once Maori land. It was the Kuakarau Block. An elder said Kauakarau was nonsense. It should be Kuakarau. Kuakarau means Place of a thousand godwits. The godwits are gone. But the name lives on in Kuakarau Bay. It also lives on in the Kuakarau Bay Forest Reserve.
In 1897 the Kuakarau Block changed hands. It went from three Maori men to an Irish-born judge. He was a Maori Land Court judge. His family then owned the entire Te Whau peninsula.
Rocky Bay is known for its peace. People like its quiet bird life. Its native bush is beautiful. Nature lovers enjoy this eco-minded haunt.
Rocky Bay is a sheltered anchorage. It has deep water and low hills. It’s about one hour from Auckland. Many residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. Some commute to Auckland by ferry for work. Imagine living here and working in the city.
In 1922 the O’Brien brothers subdivided their farm. They named it Omiha Beach Estate. This is another name for the area. In 2017 a proposal arose to change the name to Rocky Bay. This met strong opposition. It was rejected. Omiha became official in 2018. So Omiha has its own story too.
Rocky Bay doesn’t have many shops. But it offers stunning views. Homes command brilliant views of the coastline. You can see the surrounding area from here.
According to a census in 2023, 534 people live in Omiha. That’s a population density of 775 people per square kilometer. Waiheke East has a population of 1,092. That’s about 12 people per square kilometer.
Rocky Bay remains a place of natural beauty. It is a place of quiet charm. Whether you call it Rocky Bay or Omiha, it’s a special place. Its history is in its dual identity. Both names reflect its past. Both names reflect its present. As you leave Rocky Bay, remember its story. It’s a story of land, names, and people. It’s a story of Waiheke Island.