Picture this. You are standing at Sunkist Bay. The sun warms your face. A gentle sea breeze whispers through the Pohutukawa trees.
Sunkist Bay is a small but significant part of Beachlands. It’s nestled on the Pohutukawa Coast. This beautiful bay is part of the Tamaki Strait. It’s been a popular spot for generations.
Long ago Maori people called this area Kahawairahi. It means ‘abundant kahawai fish’. They fished and gardened here for centuries. Te Kawau a fortified pa stood between Sunkist Bay and Shelly Bay. Motukaraka Island nearby was known for its kumara plantations.
The area was largely unoccupied after the Musket Wars. Later European settlers arrived. Richard W. Kipplewhite subdivided the land in 1922. Beachlands became a popular day trip destination. Development increased in the 1950s.
Today Sunkist Bay offers a tranquil escape. You can swim at low tide. You can walk along the concrete path. Motukaraka Island is a short walk away at low tide. But be careful of currents. Always wear a lifejacket when boating or paddling.
The bay is small. It’s sandy and tree-lined. It’s perfect for relaxation. It once had excellent water quality. Now it’s no longer officially monitored. However its beauty remains.
Sunkist Bay offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine. It’s a place to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. Enjoy your time at Sunkist Bay.