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Torpedo Bay
View of Torpedo Bay from Devonport
Torpedo BayLocation within the Auckland Region
Location	Auckland Region, New Zealand
Coordinates	36°49′48″S 174°48′22″E / 36.830°S 174.806°E / -36.830; 174.806 (Torpedo Bay)
Ocean/sea sources	Pacific Ocean
Settlements	Devonport

Torpedo Bay (Māori: Te Hau Kapua) is a bay on the southern coast of Devonport, New Zealand between North Head (Maungauika) and Devonport Beach, close to the mouth of the Waitematā Harbour. The bay is home to the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum.

History

Early history

There have been people in Torpedo Bay as early as 925 CE, as the area is believed to have been a landing point of Kupe and his waka. They spent some time in the bay and the people who were left there by Kupe when he returned to Hawaiki are considered the first settlers of New Zealand. In about 1150, Toi te Huatahi, following Kupe's directions, also landed there. Uika, Toi te Huatahi's grandson, also landed there, and settled permanently on North Head (Maungauika).

By the late 18th century, Ngāti Paoa had established a kāinga at Torpedo Bay. The settlement existed into the mid-19th century, and was known for potato gardens, cabbages, pig farming, and as a place where shark meat was suspended to dry.

Early European history

In 1827, French explorer Jules Dumont d'Urville, anchored the Astrolabe at Torpedo Bay, becoming the earliest known European to visit the area. Lottin, the ship's surveyor, climbed Takarunga / Mount Victoria, and noted the pā fortifications, huts and stonefield gardens in the area. On 9 July 1863, due to fears of the Māori King Movement, Governor Grey proclaimed that all Māori living in the South Auckland area needed to swear loyalty to the Queen and give up their weapons, immediately prior to the Invasion of the Waikato. European residents reported that the kāinga at Torpedo Bay was evacuated overnight.

The Duder Brothers owned Duder's Wharf at Torpedo Bay, where goods, including coal for their brickworks, were shipped by scow. This area was the commercial centre of Devonport until the late 1860's. Duder's Wharf also functioned as a major ferry terminal until 1904, the wharf closed in 1907 or 1908.

References

1. ^ Heritage Consultancy Services (1 July 2011). North Shore Heritage - Thematic Review Report (PDF) (Report). Auckland Council. p. 120-130, 135. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
2. "Torpedo Bay Timeline". National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy. Retrieved 24 January 2025.
3. "History". Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
4. Veart, Dave (2018). The Māori Archaeology of Te Raki Paewhenua/North Shore (Report). Auckland North Community and Development. pp. 7–11. ISBN 978-0-9941358-4-1.
5. ^ Heritage Consultancy Services (1 July 2011). North Shore Heritage - Thematic Review Report Volume 1 (PDF) (Report). Auckland Council. ISBN 978-1-927169-21-6. Retrieved 29 June 2023.
6. Verran, David (2010). The North Shore An Illustrated History. Random House New Zealand. p. 74. ISBN 9781869793128.
7. Verran, David (2010). The North Shore An Illustrated History. Random House New Zealand. p. 181. ISBN 9781869793128.

Further reading

• Osborne, Philip D.; Boak, Elizabeth H. (1999). "Sediment Suspension and Morphological Response under Vessel-Generated Wave Groups: Torpedo Bay Auckland, New Zealand". Journal of Coastal Research. 15 (2): 388–398. ISSN 0749-0208.

• Bays of Auckland
• Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Area
• North Shore, New Zealand
• Waitematā Harbour