For centuries, Ngāti Kahu moved seasonally across their ancestral lands between Orewa and Okura - fishing, hunting, and harvesting. Te Haruhi Bay was their most important Peninsula settlement, prized for its shelter, resources, and cultivable land. The old kāinga (village) is now part of Shakespear Regional Park.

European history begins with Ranulph Dacre, who milled the surrounding forests. The Frackovich brothers later grew wine in the valley (1910–20), followed by the Hobbs family giving the bay its other name, Hobbs Bay.

The site was sold in the early 1970s and marina construction began. Gulf Harbour Marina opened in March 1995 and has grown into one of New Zealand's most popular marinas, holding the NZ Clean Marina of the Year award (2020) for its commitment to protecting coastal water quality.

Gulf Harbour Marina is also one of the start/end points of the Whangaparāoa Treasure Hunt, with ferry connections to Auckland city.

There is plenty more to discover right here! Tap the button below to find local business specials to claim nearby, our latest Treasure Hunt competitions, eco information on ocean sprawl and how Gulf Harbour Marina actively works to minimise its footprint and for a link back to our trail map.