Tapeka Rocky Bay

Rocky Bay is a northeast-facing stony bay with views across the Bay of Islands to the open sea from Tapeka. Except at high tide you can walk through a narrow rock crevice to two further small bays to the northwest. The second one is reached by crossing a small saddle on a rocky outcrop.

In southerly weather it can be a very sheltered beautiful and peaceful stroll.

At very low tide it is possible to scramble east from Rocky Bay past a difficult rock headland and continue right around the rocky coast to Long Beach.

Location, Grade and Duration

Reach Rocky Bay by turning half-right and continuing straight when you get into the Tapeka settlement. (1.8 km north of Russell - take Flagstaff Road to the top of the hill and continue down the other side on Tapeka Road.)

Rocky Bay has small stones that are a bit soft going underfoot and a little rock-hopping is required to access the western bays.

The three easily accessible bays comprise about 600 metres of shoreline.

Restrictions

Dogs are permitted.

There are no facilities at Rocky Bay except for a couple of seats on a small grassy reserve by the car park. There are no shops in Tapeka.

It is subject to heavy surf in northerly weather.

Interests

Fishing, sightseeing, walking, snorkeling and diving.

History

In the early 1900s most of Tapeka was farmed and there was only a bridle track over from Russell, road access being put in by the army during World War II.

Tapeka was subdivided in 1968 when a colourful brochure offered 98 sections for sale on deposit of 10% and balance spread over five years. Prices ranged from $1,300 to $2,100.<