Little Shoal Bay

In pre-colonial times, there were wāhi tapu (sacred sites), kāinga (villages), canoe landing sites, and gardens associated with the historic settlement of Awataha. Māori used the tidal area to fish and gather shellfish. Māori tracks run from the top of Council Terrace to the scout den. From 1902 until the 1950s, the land was occupied by the Birkenhead and Northcote Gas Company’s gasworks. A wharf, its wall still there today, was built to enable barges to bring in coal. The manager lived in the last house on the right on Council Terrace and residents could pay their bills at the office at the top of the road. The site became a public reserve in the late 1990s.

Turn left up the walkway to the Birkenhead Sea Scouts den and then turn right on Clarence Road.