Red Rocks, Owhiro Bay, Wellington 6023, New Zealand
Owhiro Bay, ‘the gateway to the south coast’, is the closest south coast beach to the central city. Small houses and cottages are tucked at the bottom of steep escarpments. The sheltered Owhiro Bay boat ramp and car park is on the eastern side of the bay, and there are grassed areas along the foreshore toward the quarry.
A project to restore and protect Owhiro Bay Stream, the only unpiped city stream flowing to the south coast, has been set up by The Friends of Owhiro Stream. The community group has planted more than 8,000 native trees.
Owhiro Bay was the site of a well-developed Māori settlement when Europeans arrived – middens, implements and ovens are evidence of Māori cultivation and occupation.
Epic New Zealand Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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