1769 - 1875 Early European History Tolaga Bay was visited by Captain Cook between 24 - 30 October 1769. The Tangata Whenua were friendly and hospitable and granted the visitors the freedom of the bay. Wood and water were obtained and trade occurred between the inhabitants and the explorers. Banks and Solander collected botanical specimens. The Maori name for the place is Ou Auwoa or Uwoua, but Cook called it Tolaga Bay. This is possibly a corruption of 'turanga' - landing or halting place - which he took to be a proper name. The area early attracted its share of pre-colonial traders who dealt in flax and bay whaling. Round these trading posts developed a series of small ports, among which was Tolaga Bay. The site of Tolaga Bay township (252 acres) was bought by the Crown in March of 1875 for £505, at which time it was covered with gorse. By 1875 Tolaga Bay was the largest European centre on the East Coast with 52 European residents, but generally settlement came late to the area. Sparsity of settlement and particularly a lack of roads led to the sea being the main means of communication, a situation which continued well into the twentieth century.

Click on the arrow in this window for the next period... Back to main Save the Tolaga Bay Wharf Web Site