A shortened form of the name for the oyster catcher. That is what Torea Bay means in Maori. The sea bird is also known as the red bill. Welcome to Torea Bay.
Torea Bay sits on the opposite side of Queen Charlotte Sound from The Snout. The Snout divides Picton’s Waitohi Bay and neighbour Waikawa Bay. Torea Bay marks the start of the Portage road. This road links Queen Charlotte Sound with Pelorus’s Kenepuru Sound.
Long ago, the Maori used to portage their canoes. They traveled between Queen Charlotte Sound and Kenepuru Sound. They crossed the low saddle between Torea Bay and Portage Bay in Kenepuru. That’s a half-hour walk.
The view from the top is worth a stop. You can see Queen Charlotte Sound on one side. Keneperu Sound is on the other.
Torea Bay is the starting point for a rewarding day walk. It is a challenging 23.6km trek to Punga Cove from Picton. The walk gives walkers unmatched views. They see the Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds.
The Torea Bay to Mistletoe Bay walk covers 8km. It offers spectacular views. You can climb the main ridge between Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds. The path follows old bridle paths. It winds through regenerating forest.
Kamahi shelters ferns and delicate orchids. Kanuka and manuka also provide cover. Nikau palms offer a home for weka. Silver eyes and fantails live here too. Many other native birds also inhabit the area.
The track descends to Mistletoe Bay. You will walk through native tree ferns and beech trees. Here, you can hear the songs of tui and bellbird. Mistletoe Bay is a popular picnic spot. Admire the sea colors. You can also swim before your boat arrives.
When leaving Torea Bay, there is a steep climb. You will climb through native plants. You will reach the ridge between Kenepuru and Queen Charlotte Sounds. The track winds in and out of the forest. It follows the ridge line. Look down to see bays and coves. The serpentine coastline recedes into the distance.
Opaque green waters appear. It’s the Kenepuru Sound. Shimmering blue sea comes next. That’s Queen Charlotte Sound. Watch for the cheeky weka. Listen for the bellbirds’ shrill song. Hear the chorus of other New Zealand birds.
Torea Bay itself gives good shelter. This is especially true in Peach Bay. It is also true in Carey’s Bay, both on the west side of Torea. However, shelter is limited in winds from the East sector. Carey Bay offers the best shelter. It is ideal in winds from the South sector.
The head of the cove is shallow. The old Carey homestead sits at the head of Carey Bay. The Outward Bound organisation owns it.
Remember, if you’re taking the Torea Bay to Punga Cove walk, you will need a good fitness level. The goal is to reach Punga Cove in time. The boat leaves around 4.20pm.
Torea Bay’s wharf is a busy place. Pick-ups and drop-offs happen often. Use the side of the wharf. If you’re just dropping off or picking up, use the wharf end. The small shed at the end of the wharf has a public phone. It connects to the Portage Hotel. Local body moorings are near the wharf.
Torea Saddle lies between Torea Bay and Portage Bay. It is on the historic Portage route. The early Maori used this route. Today, the road bridges Portage.
Enjoy your time here in Torea Bay. Take in the sounds and sights. Remember its history. Think about the journey of those before us.